Online Safety

Online Safety

Online safety is extremely important at WMG Academy. Students follow a planned programme of age-appropriate online safety education from Year 10 through to Year 13. Online safety is explored across the curriculum in lessons where ICT is used, through form time activities, and during dedicated assemblies throughout the year.

Topics covered include:

• Cyber-bullying
• Online predators and grooming
• Sexting and sharing images online
• Social media safety
• Digital wellbeing and responsible online behaviour
• Privacy, security and protecting personal information

We encourage staff and students to use ICT as an integral part of teaching and learning. However, as the internet and digital technologies continue to evolve, it is essential that students, staff and parents remain vigilant and aware of potential online risks and threats.

Safe Internet Access

The evaluation of online content forms part of learning in all subjects that use internet-based resources.

WMG Academy works in partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) to ensure that internet filtering and monitoring systems remain as effective as possible. These systems are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new developments and emerging risks online.

If a member of staff or a student discovers unsuitable online content, the website address (URL), along with the date and time of access, should be reported immediately to the school’s Online Safety Lead, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or ICT Support Team.

The Network Manager carries out regular checks to ensure that filtering and monitoring arrangements remain appropriate, effective and proportionate.

Support for Parents and Carers

We recognise that not all parents and carers have regular access to the internet or feel confident supporting their child online. The following organisations provide valuable advice, guidance and resources to help keep children safe online:

• NSPCC Online Safety: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
• UK Safer Internet Centre: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/young-people
• Childline Online Safety: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/staying-safe-online/

These resources include practical guidance on staying safe when using social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

Reporting Online Safety Concerns

If you have concerns about online safety, please contact a member of the Academy’s Safeguarding Team via Reception.

Concerns relating to Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) can also be reported directly through the CEOP Safety Centre:

https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/How-can-CEOP-help-me-YP/

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, always call 999.