Responsibility to offer advice
In March 2003, the Scottish Executive issued Circular 1/2003 which introduced this website and reminded education authorities of their responsibility to provide policy and guidance to schools regarding the safe use of the internet. This page outlines the areas that should be covered by such advice and provides links to appropriate resources.
Many authorities have already considered this matter in some depth and offered advice to their schools. The Scottish Executive is grateful for the willingness of authorities to share their work and for their co-operation in the preparation of this national advice.
Education authorities have a responsibility to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to minimise the risk to pupils and staff associated with use of the internet and other communication technologies, especially when access is facilitated in schools and other local authority establishments.
The advice in this document relates specifically to the internet and electronic communication, which form one aspect of child protection. Any concern about the possibility of any form of risk to children may require intervention in terms of the local Child Protection Policy. Education authorities should therefore ensure that policy and practice are closely aligned with, and subject to, the more strategic measures in the local Child Protection Policy.
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