Where young people are concerned, technology offers many positive educational and social benefits. As with anything though, there are risks that come with it, and without even realising it, vulnerable children may find themselves involved in activities which are inappropriate.
It is a challenging time for schools – how do you strike a balance between providing children with the freedom to explore the internet and learn to use new technologies, while also maintaining control? Children need to be prepared to use these items in the real world, but need to be prepared for the dangers they may encounter too.
While first instincts may be to lock systems down to keep children safe, it is just not realistic. Ofsted's 2010 report, The Safe Use of Technologies, found that "pupils who are given greater freedom at school to use new technologies have a better knowledge and understanding of how to stay safe online".
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