E-Safety at Waltham School so that our light may shine safely

In the world of digital media, it is vitally important that we teach our children how to stay safe when they are using the internet- both in school and when at home.  Similarly, we appreciate that the rapid advances in technology means that adults need as much up-to-date, relevant information too. We endeavour to support parents through sending home regular updates in newsletters or leaflets and posts on our digital platforms including here.

Please refer to this regularly and let us know if there's a new App or game that the children are engaging with that may need us to check out. Safeguarding is everyone's business so if you have any concerns that a child you know may be at risk because of their internet use, please report it to the Head of School or directly to the First Response Children's Duty Team: 0116 3050005 / childrensduty@leics.gov.uk

Things you need to know

Children are taught how to report concerns or worries they have when using the internet. They are familiar with the following phase:

Latest Updates from the National Cyber Security Centre 

Countering Sextortion  

Over the past few years there has been an evolution in online scamming. This relatively novel phenomena involves attempting to extort internet users by claiming to possess compromising recordings of said user. The user will be threatened with the release of alleged indecent material, which will only be avoided through paying a ransom via bitcoin.

The emails can be highly convincing, written in language designed to convince the recipient that the perpetrator that they have an advanced command of computers. Persuading the recipient of the credibility of the threat. This form of scamming can be highly successful, relative to other more easily detected scams.

To find out more on what to do to prevent yourself becoming targeted, please follow the link below for advice from the National Cyber Security Centre on what to do.

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/sextortion-scams-how-to-protect-yourself

URGENT SAFEGUARDING WARNING

Cannabis Edibles

We have been alerted by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit to raise your awareness of cannabis edibles. They are packaged like sweets and chocolate; see below example. Eating just one sweet is equivalent to smoking one cannabis joint.

Due to being illegal in the UK, cannabis edibles are generally purchased through networks such as social media outlets including TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. It is because of these modern communication methods for supply and purchase, young people are able to access cannabis edibles at the touch of a button. 

County lines gangs are using the illegal sweets to entice children and then exploiting them, which can also be done through social networking sites including Fortnight.

Children who are permitted by parents to use these platforms are particularly vulnerable and we advise you to take immediate action to protect your child/ren from serious harm. 

Please see parent leaflet on the dangers of cannabis edibles, with. Further information is on the police counter terrorism website.  A downloadable version is below.

Keep your child safe on Fortnite

You may be familiar with the popular video game Fortnite, the online shooter game. While it’s not automatically dangerous, it does carry some risks.

Please download the factsheet below to help you keep your child safe on Fortnite. It will help you to feel more informed, decide whether you’re happy for your child to play the game, and learn how to set up parental controls.

Useful Links

An interactive game for 8-10 yr olds