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e-Safety, Internet safety and cyber bullying are major issues affecting the lives of young people today. Students need to stay safe when using the internet and other digital technologies.

Here at New Charter Academy, we aim to provide a safe internet environment for both students and staff to use. To that end we use a managed system which allows a greater flexibility in the sites that staff and students have access to, whilst filtering out sites which contain inappropriate content.

All Staff and Students are subject to the Acceptable User Policy a copy of which can be viewed here. Student are also expected to comply with the Academy's e-safety policy which can be viewed here

Students who break the Acceptable User Policy and who are found to be using the Academy's internet access in an inappropriate manner will have their access restricted and will have to work within a locked down system for the period of their restriction.

Staff and Students using computers on the Academy's network have their internet activity monitored by a system which stops access to sites that are deemed inappropriate for use whilst in an educational establishment. These include Chat rooms, Social Networking Sites and Web Mail Accounts and Game Sites. In addition all internet use within the Academy is logged. This is to enable the internet usage to be monitored and inappropriate use highlighted and if needed, action taken.

Students

Useful links to e-safety sites

Never give out personal identifying information - name, home address, school name or telephone number - in a chat room or on a bulletin board.
Never include personal information or interests in your Instant Messaging profile, and do not post your photo.
Keep passwords private - even from best friends!
Don't respond to mean or harassing e-mails. Log off and tell your teacher
Be on alert when someone offers you something for nothing, such as gifts or money.
Never agree to meet with someone face-to-face without telling your parent or guardian. Then, if your parent or guardian agrees to the meeting, make sure to meet in a public place with your parent or guardian.
Remember that people online may not be who they seem.
Remind your parents to keep your computer protected with the latest security patches, anti-virus software and a firewall to prevent hackers.
Delete unknown e-mail attachments, as they may contain viruses.
Virus scan all files downloaded from the web to your computer.

Tips for Parents

Create a list of Internet house rules with your children.
Keep computers with Internet in a central area - not in child's bedroom.
Talk to them about their online activities and friends.
Know which chat rooms and message boards your child visits and who they're talking to.
Talk about their Instant Messaging contacts, and make sure they're not talking to strangers.
Encourage them to come to you if they encounter messages or content that makes them uncomfortable. And don't "freak out" when they tell you, or they won't turn to you again.
Talk to your children about online pornography.
Be aware of the websites that your child visits.
Discuss gambling and the potential risks.
Teach your children responsible Internet behaviour. The Internet should not be used for spreading gossip, bullying or threatening others.

Signs that Your Child Might be at Risk Online

Your child spends a lot of time online, especially at night.
Your child accesses pornography on the computer.
Your child receives phone calls from strangers.
Your child makes phone calls to numbers you don't recognize.
Your child receives mail, gifts or packages from someone you don't know.
Your child turns off the computer monitor or quickly changes screens when you walk in the room.
Your child becomes withdrawn from the family.
Your child uses an online account that belongs to someone else.

Tips to Avoid Online Credit Card Fraud

Make sure a website is secure and reputable before providing credit card information online.
Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure.
If purchasing something online, make sure it is from a reputable source.
Reconcile credit card statements promptly to avoid unauthorized charges.
Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited e-mails.

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Research businesses or websites, to ensure they are legitimate.
Try to get a physical address, rather than a P.O. box or maildrop.
Never discard credit card or bank statements in usable form.
Pay attention to missed bills: they could indicate that your account has been taken over.
Be cautious of scams requiring you to give your personal information.
Never give out your credit card number over the phone, unless you made the call.
Monitor your monthly credit card statements for any fraudulent activity.
Report unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.