Our school has a dedicated page to Online Safety Resources https://gms.bucks.sch.uk/parents-carers/online-safety-resources/
In this time of increased online usage it is important that parents, carers and students are mindful that social media platforms can be contaminated by harmful content.
GMS believes it is important to be vigilant, attentive and alert if we are to protect our young people in the online and messaging platforms they subscribe to. Privacy settings and age restrictions are appropriate precautions, as are reporting/blocking tools.
We strongly encourage parents and carers to take an active and curious role in their child’s online world. In particular, we recommend regular conversations and checks using the “Three C’s” as a point of entry:
- Content – what is your child is seeing, sharing, or being exposed to online?
- Communication – who is your child is communicating with, including group chats and direct messages?
- Commerce – are there any requests, links or activities involving money, purchases or personal information?
It is important to never accept invitations, links or messages from unknown individuals and, crucially, report to a trusted adult anything ‘untoward’ that seems inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Our students are taught about digital citizenship, respectful online behaviour and how to seek help if something does not feel right and we are grateful to parents and carers who validate our message at home.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us keep our young people safe, both in and out of school. If you would like advice on online safety, please visit our school website.
