Safety
The discussion will be moderated by experienced internet debate moderators who will set the ground rules and ensure the issues are kept in focus throughout the discussion. Their role is to help the debate progress by posting comments and directing pupils’ questions to the relevant guest experts. All pupil contributions will be verified by them and schools will be notified of any inappropriate postings.
What you can do to promote safe internet use
Access to the internet debate is strictly controlled. In addition, all the sites recommended within the discussion area have been thoroughly checked. However, as you will be aware, pupils can move on from these sites. The following guidelines might be helpful.
- Establish a code of internet conduct with clear guidelines.
- Consider internet safety filters (free software such as Netnanny and WebGuardian are available).
- Never reveal private or personal information about your pupils on the internet – pupils should use their first name only when posting messages to the debate (e.g. Jane or Jane G to distinguish between pupils with the same first name).
- Think carefully before publishing any photographs of the children and make sure you obtain parental permission – never name children within the photographs.
- Let the children know you can track their web use, and that the moderators will also be keeping a careful eye on proceedings, contacting their school if necessary.
- Check thoroughly before recommending any websites in your responses to the internet debate.
- Look at safety procedures on other school sites.
- Check with your LEA to see if they have set up a 'firewall' safety system. (Note – in past debates some schools found their LEA firewall prevented them from accessing the debate. If you have this difficulty, please contact us.)
For further information on safe use of the internet, also see the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) safety advice.