Rationale for Internet Safety

Rationale for a Safe Use of Internet Policy.

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) can bring benefits to young people and enhance their learning experience. The vast array of information, often from the original source, and the instantaneous communication using a variety of media will change the way we experience life and work. It is essential that young people have the opportunity to experience these new technologies and to develop the searching, sorting and filtering skills that are likely to be part of their everyday life.

Nevertheless, this same ability to access information on almost any subject, and to communicate throughout the world, carries with it the risk that young people will be exposed to material, situations or communications that are undesirable.

To ensure that any risk is minimised, this authority has implemented an Acceptable Use Policy which applies to all staff and a similar policy which applies to all pupils.

Commitment to ensuring safe use

It is essential that the tools which are in place are fully exploited. For example, records of attempted access violations generated by filtering or firewall software will not prove effective if they are not regularly checked and acted upon.

These measures relate specifically to the internet and electronic communication, but the Council also has a Child Protection Policy that deals with any issues where there is a concern about the possibility of any form of child abuse. All policies and procedures to do with Internet Safety are subject to the more strategic measures in the Child Protection Policy.