Cyber Safety
At Aureus School, technology plays an important role in teaching, learning and communication. Students use a range of digital tools and devices across the curriculum, including interactive classroom technology, desktop computers and Chromebooks.
We are committed to helping students become safe, responsible and confident digital citizens. Online safety is taught through our curriculum, assemblies and pastoral support, ensuring students understand how to use technology positively and recognise potential risks when online.
To help keep students safe when using school devices and networks, Aureus School uses Smoothwall, a leading online safety, filtering and monitoring system. This technology helps us identify potential safeguarding concerns, protect students from inappropriate content and support their wellbeing while they are using digital devices in school. Our monitoring and filtering systems form part of our wider safeguarding arrangements and are used alongside education, guidance and support from staff.
Staying Safe Online
We encourage all students to:
- Think carefully before posting or sharing information online
- Protect their personal information and passwords
- Treat others with kindness and respect when communicating online
- Be cautious when communicating with people they do not know
- Report any content, behaviour or communication that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe
- Check that websites, messages and downloads are from trusted sources before accessing them
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to intentionally upset, threaten, embarrass or target another person. It can take place through social media, messaging services, online gaming platforms or other digital communication tools.
Examples of cyberbullying include:
- Sending abusive or threatening messages
- Sharing embarrassing images or information
- Creating fake accounts to impersonate someone
- Excluding individuals from online groups
- Posting harmful comments online
- Encouraging others to target or ridicule someone
Students are encouraged to report any concerns about cyberbullying to a trusted adult or a member of school staff.
Protecting Personal Information
Students should never share sensitive personal information online, including:
- Home address
- Telephone number
- Passwords
- Bank or financial information
- Personal identification documents
Protecting personal information helps reduce the risk of identity theft, fraud and online exploitation.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
At Aureus School, students are expected to complete their work honestly and acknowledge the ideas and work of others appropriately.
Plagiarism occurs when someone presents another person's work, ideas or words as their own. This includes:
- Copying information without referencing the source
- Using someone else's work and claiming it as your own
- Copying large sections of text from websites or books
- Reproducing another person's ideas without acknowledgement
Developing academic honesty helps students build important skills for future education and employment.
Device and Internet Security
Students should always:
- Download files only from trusted sources
- Keep passwords secure and private
- Log out of shared devices when finished
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments
- Report any unusual activity or concerns to staff immediately
Parental Support
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online. The following organisations provide useful guidance, resources and support:
- BBC Own It
- Childnet
- Digizen
- National Online Safety
- NSPCC Online Safety
- UK Safer Internet Centre
- Thinkuknow
Reporting Concerns
To report online abuse or concerns about online communication, please visit the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre:
CEOP Police Safety Information
For additional online safety information and support, please visit:
