Johnston Community Primary School February 7th 2023

Safer Internet Day - School Council Take Over!!!

Apologies for posting this two days late!

Hi,

My name is Billie and I am a part of the school council here at Johnston. Today, we have worked with teachers to make sure that everyone is learning about how to stay safe online. We think that this is very important. I hope that you find this useful.

In school, we only use the internet for learning and teachers check the information that we are going to view. At home, the internet could be more dangerous.

Diolch,

Billie, Ollie, Ffion and Jac (Senior Prefect Team)

A Note From Mr Williams

Childhood has changed dramatically during recent years and whilst technology is largely a force for good it is important to recognise that it must be used safely.

A few things that are important to mention:

• I have supported pupils and parents who have encountered difficulties whilst pupils are using devices outside school. It is important to note that age guidance for social media is actually, in nearly all instances, 13 years old.
• Pupils do post things/ share things which they are too young to understand.
• The new online safety bill which is making its way through Parliament is going to make it a lot more difficult for children to navigate around age limits, as the technology companies are going to face huge fines.

I have written a little about smart phones before.

A smart phone gives a pupil the opportunity to access a tremendous amount of information and media, much of which they will not be old enough to view, and some of which they may find distressing.

Smart Phones can increase anxiety amongst pupils who feel that they need to compare themselves to others. Video games and other media can be addictive.

It is so beneficial for pupils to develop a hobby, get outside, burn off energy and develop positive interests.

If you have any questions or would like any support, I will always do my best to make myself available.

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