Today children are getting addicted to gadgets. Almost all children play games in one form of another (91% to be exact in this particular study). These games are played on computers, game consoles, cell phones or various handheld devices. Excessive exposure and ease to such devices can lead students to unwanted and inappropriate social activities. We need to be more cautious and alert to ensure safety of our child.
In school, regular measures are being taken to ensure the digital health of the children. Regular interactive sessions are being conducted to make students aware of the Do’s and Don’ts of the use of technology.
As per the guidelines of CBSE and DOE, we at Goenka follow Cyber Safety practices in school.
- They must respect school equipment and should not indulge in moving the equipment.
- Students must not cause damage to any equipment. In case of any damage, the teacher should be immediately informed.
- Students are not allowed to get/ use flash drives or any other external media for any purpose without due permission from the teacher.
- Viewing social media sites/Registering on any website/Downloading any material for use must be under the strict supervision of the teacher.
- In the computer lab, Internet access is allowed only after permission from computer faculty and the computer faculty reserves the right to check IDs of the users.
- Regular checks are made to ensure that no unwanted content is downloaded.
- No child is permitted to work unattended in the labs.
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
- Do not provide your children with smart phones at an early age.
- Password protect your phone.
- Place the computer in an open area in your home.
- Install parental control (content filtering) software.
- Learn Internet basics, be approachable and lead by example.
TIPS FOR PARENTS TO AVOID AND IDENTIFY CYBER BULLYING
- Never, under any circumstances, let your child browse unaccompanied.
- Talk to your children and spend quality time with them discussing the risks involved in insecure internet surfing
- Be aware of what your child is doing online.
- Do not ignore any change in the child’s mood or behaviour. Help your child to stay connected to friends and family members they trust.
- Keep the lines of communication open so your child will be comfortable talking about if something is worrying them.
- Educate your child to block anyone who sends offensive content via any social networking service.
GUIDELINES TO USE THE INTERNET SAFELY
- Install and maintain up to date anti-virus software on your computer or device.
- Keep your Internet browser up-to-date.
- Be alert to unusual computer activity or problems.
- Install and maintain a firewall on your computer.
- Use a modern browser with features such as a pop-up blocker.
- Avoid storing sensitive material indefinitely on your computer.
- Change your passwords often. Keep smarter passwords.
- Beware of links sent via instant messaging and e-mail attachments.
- Do not give out personal information such as address or phone number or pictures.
- Do not become online ‘friends’ with unknown people.
- Never arrange to meet someone in person whom they have met online
- Tell /inform parents, if anything you see or read online worries.