YHGfL has taken a prominent role in providing support for schools with guides relating to professionals’ use of Facebook and solutions to common issues. We have put together a series of links and frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help staff to guide young people and parents to manage problems that occur on Facebook.

The rise of Facebook has been a national phenomenon over recent years and its popularity has been unprecedented in the UK. Statistics show that, if Facebook was a country (in terms of population), then it would be the third largest in the world; ahead of the United States, Brazil and Pakistan. While for many users it has been a revolutionary way of being able to communicate with others, it has proved difficult to manage for schools, which have seen a rise in cases of cyberbullying and online abuse through Facebook.

Digiduck is a beautiful illustrated children’s book created by Childnet, which can be read online and now is available to order as a hard copy.

Digiduck’s Big Decision is a story for 3 to 7 year olds. It tells the story of Digiduck and his friends, and helps children understand how to be a good friend to others on the internet. Ofcom research recently shed light on the extent of internet use by 3-4 year olds, and at Childnet we are delighted to provide something for parents and carers, and teachers and those working in Early Years settings to read with these younger children that can help develop their understanding of the online world.

The book was developed with support from the EU, as part of our work as the UK Safer Internet Centre, and with support from Microsoft we have been able to make it available in hard copy.

http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/teachers/ks1/digiduck.aspx

Safer Internet Day (SID) 2013 will take place on Tuesday, 5^th February 2013.

A YHGfL on-line session December 12th , 4pm to 5 pm.

It is now an important day in the year where schools can support students, staff and other stakeholders with spreading the important message of being safe online. This on-line workshop will highlight different strategies and ideas based on the SID theme for 2013.

To book on the session and for further information click HERE

More information about Safer Internet Day 2013 can be found here on the ins@fe website:

http://www.saferinternetday.org/web/guest/sid-2013

As schools strive to be innovative with technology but budgets are squeezed, allowing staff and students to use their own technology in the classroom is becoming more popular. Opinion however is divided, will BYOD save money and have a positive impact on learning or is it a security and safety nightmare waiting to happen?

Recognising this, NEN the Education Network is beginning a major piece of work in partnership with industry and other interested groups.  They want to hear your voice and thoughts on the use of personal devices in the classroom. Please contribute by following this link:

http://www.nen.gov.uk/news/258/boyd-what-do-you-think.html

A new report released on the 19th September which aims to help schools ensure they are handling pupils’ personal information in-line with the law. The report has been written by the Information Commissioner’s Office, and gives practical advice on how to comply with the Data Protection Act. It was prompted by a survey of 400 schools across nine local authority areas that showed that whilst awareness of data protection laws was generally good, schools need to pay more attention to complying with data protection law.

Read more

http://www.ico.gov.uk/news/latest_news/2012/report-offers-school-data-protection-advice-17092012.aspx

On-line workshop - 03/October/2012 4:00 pm

This online course will help mentors and newly qualified teachers understand about the importance of eSafeguarding. It will examine the importance of helping those new to the profession understand about the professional standards expected of them when using social media.

Starting at 4:00 this session will last approximately 45 minutes and be conducted through Adobe Connect. All you will need is access to a PC and a set of headphones. If you aren’t sure what to do we will happily run a quick test session with you first.

For further information and to make a booking click HERE

Following the fantastic success of the last 2 years, Childnet have just announced the launch of their third annual Film Competition for young people aged 7-16.

The shortlisted finalists from each category will be invited to go to London on Monday 9^th July where they will attend a private screening of their film at the British Film Institute. The winners will receive lots of fabulous prizes for their school!

 At a glance

Competition opens: Monday 16^th April 2012 @ 9am

Competition closes: Friday 15^th June 2012 @5pm

Finalists notified: Friday 22nd June 2012

Screening & finalist event: Monday 9^th July 2011

For more information and to register visit the Childnet website:

http://childnet.com/film-2012/

Monday 30th April 2012 – Central London

The challenge of empowering children to stay safe online has never been greater. With the explosion of social networking and increasingly
advanced technologies in handheld devices and phones, how can you keep one step ahead to protect children and young people?
Capita’s established Child Protection in the Digital Environment Conference covers the latest research and national policy driving this agenda. With input from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and the Department for Education, this conference focuses on
the key themes including:
• Effectively engaging and upskilling parents to support safe online practices at home
• Tackling cyberbullying and harassment of young people, teachers and parents
• Managing the benefits and risks of social networking
• Tailoring support services to protect the most vulnerable
• Adopting a multi agency approach to identifying, monitoring and reporting risks and safeguarding concerns.

For more information:

http://www.capitaconferences.co.uk/public-sector-conferences

8 Febuary 2012

To support Safer Internet Day 2012 this online session will look at some of the latest issues around eSafeguarding for schools. Covering Ofsted, policy and behaviour it will be packed with useful information and sources of support for schools. After the formal session delegates will be able to take the opportunity to stay online for a further online eSafeguarding surgery where they can raise issues and ask any questions on any aspect of eSafeguarding.

Starting at 4:00 This session will last approximately 45 minutes and be conducted through Adobe Connect. All you will need is access to a computer and a set of headphones. If you aren’t sure what to do we will happily run a quick test session with you first.

Click HERE for further  information and booking form