Cyber Safety

As the virtual environment is ever changing and growing, there are potential risks and dangers that our children, as users, could be exposed to.

As a school, we aim to raise awareness of the risks and dangers these new technological advancements can bring and so, this term, a presentation was given to parents about internet safety.

Different uses of technology and the internet were discussed at the meeting, like Instant Messenger, on-line games such as World of Warcraft, social networking sites and technology of mobile phones. Risks and dangers associated with each type of programme or technology were raised. Through the ThinkUKnow programme sponsored by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre, students at Southbank International
School will be learning more about the internet as a virtual environment and how it can change and affect their lives in both positive and negative ways.

Southbank International School wants to help bridge the gap between adults (teachers and parents) and students in their understanding of technology and the internet. In order to help begin this process, we referred parents to the ThinkUKnow website, which will be the foundation of the students' learning: www.thinkuknow.co.uk. It contains a list of tips for parents and what can be done in the home to help reduce the risks and dangers that students could experience on the internet.

Southbank International School's PSE programme aims to educate students on how to stay safe, in whatever environment they are in. We want to empower students by giving them the knowledge of these potential risks and the confidence in being able to deal with the dangers if they arise.

by Julia Meshi, Southbank's CEOP Ambassador & PSE Co-ordinator