eSafety: Pupil Feedback – January 2025

38 pupils completed the survey and answered the following questions:

• Rate how safe you think you are online?
• What does ONLINE SAFETY mean to you? Give an example
• Can you think of a few risks with being online?
• If you see something that looks inappropriate, what should you do?
• Do you know where to look or who to ask for advice on Online Safety?
• If you answered ‘Yes’ to question 5, name where you would look or who you would ask about Online Safety advice.
• Is Online Safety, Internet Safety and eSafety all the same thing?

Summary of Data:

Online Safety Awareness:

• The majority of respondents feel confident about their online safety, with most rating their safety as 4 or 5 out of 5.
• Online safety is commonly associated with avoiding strangers, protecting personal information, and being cautious of scams and hackers.

Understanding of Online Safety:

• Most respondents define online safety as being cautious, not sharing personal information, and protecting against potential online risks.
• Common examples of online safety include avoiding sharing passwords, being careful about whom they interact with online, and recognising inappropriate content.

Identified Risks:

• Common risks mentioned include cyberbullying, identity theft, scammers, hacking, and exposure to inappropriate content.
• Many are aware of the dangers of interacting with strangers and the potential for personal information to be misused.

Response to Inappropriate Content:

• The universal response to seeing something inappropriate online is to tell an adult.
• There is a strong inclination to seek help from trusted adults, parents, teachers, or even authorities like the police.

Sources for Advice on Online Safety:

• Respondents largely rely on family members (parents, grandparents), teachers, and specific adults at school for advice on online safety.
• Some mention organisations such as Childline or NSPCC as resources.

Perception of Online Safety Terminology:

• There is a mixed understanding of whether “Online Safety,” “Internet Safety,” and “eSafety” are the same or different concepts.
• Some believe they are synonymous, while others think they have distinct meanings, with eSafety sometimes associated with both online and offline safety.

Recommended Actions:

Enhance Education on Online Risks:

• Conduct sessions focusing on the specifics of online risks such as phishing, hacking, and cyberbullying.
• Use real-life examples to illustrate these risks and their potential consequences.

Clarify Terminology:

• Develop a clear guide or infographic explaining the terms “Online Safety,” “Internet Safety,” and “eSafety,” highlighting similarities and differences if any.

Promote Reporting Protocols:

• Reinforce the importance of reporting inappropriate content to a trusted adult.
• Create a clear, accessible protocol for students to follow when they encounter unsafe situations online.

Expand Resource Awareness:

• Provide a list of trusted resources and organisations (e.g., Childline, NSPCC) in school handbooks and on the school website.

Regular Reviews and Updates:

• Ensure frequent revisits to eSafety topics through Computing curriculum so pupils are recalling their knowledge and embedding their understanding
• Introduce periodic assessments to gauge students’ understanding of online safety and adjust the curriculum accordingly.