Direct supervision
There are a number of ways to limit, control and monitor access to communications. At one level, monitoring can be implemented through direct supervision, i.e. by having a responsible adult present in the room and directly overseeing pupil activity. No matter what other means are used, this direct supervision will always form a key part of the overall strategy for monitoring and controlling access.
There will also be situations where direct supervision by school staff is not possible, for example when pupils undertake part of their studies in a local college, are on work experience or are undertaking project work with a local employer. In these circumstances, schools should inform employers of existing school access policies and that any unsuitable use of electronic communications by pupils may be viewed as a serious issue.
As well as this human element, a number of technological approaches are available to support this management role, including the use of filtering, blocking and monitoring software.
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