Safer Internet Day
Last week, Stuart MacAlpine, our Middle/High School Principal, wrote a Thistle Talk article about the importance of being an upstander - of not sitting by while the actions and choices of others, including in online spaces, cause mental, physical and emotional harm. It contained an important message that we can take forward as we consider how we choose to act when we are online, which is where Safer Internet Day comes in.
This coming Tuesday, 6 February 2024, is Safer Internet Day in the UK. Started 20 years ago, this annual event is currently recognised and celebrated in 180 countries and territories worldwide. Each year, Safer Internet Day highlights a theme related to online safety; this year, the theme is “Together for a better internet”. The following tips come directly from the Safer Internet Day website:
* Make space for regular conversations about life online. Talk openly and frequently about what you are doing online and encourage your child to do the same. Talk about the positive experiences you can have online, share what you have done when you have come across content you did not want to, and how you dealt with the situation.
* Make space for enjoying and exploring the online world together! Play games, watch videos, and express an interest in your child’s online life. Celebrate all the opportunities that technology has to offer, and show them what a great space the internet can be when used responsibly.
* Make space for working as a family to agree expectations for going online. Talk to your family about the role technology plays in your lives. Establish rules and expectations that encourage meaningful use of technology, in the same way you set boundaries in other areas of your children’s lives. It’s important to review these regularly and adapt them for each member of your family.
* Make space for learning about the apps, games and websites your child is using. There are lots of tools and guides to support you with keeping your child safe on whatever apps, games and websites they are using. Research age ratings, privacy settings and safety features (like the block and report button) so that you are best placed to help your child should anything go wrong.
* Make space for supporting and reassuring your child if things go wrong. Remind your child they can talk to you about anything. If something goes wrong, listen and respond with reassurance and kindness and stay calm. Work with your child to find solutions to the problem, perhaps by using the block and report tools or seeking advice from your child’s school.
For more information, I would encourage you to visit the Safer Internet Day website. There is loads of information to be found there, all focused on helping parents/carers and children stay safe when using resources on the internet. Once you’ve had a look around there, I would urge you to make a return visit with your children, taking the time to have meaningful conversations and, perhaps, to take one of the online quizzes together.
Whatever your family’s rules are for accessing the internet while at home, please take some time to review the suggestions and resources provided by the Safer Internet Day website. There is much to consider, and the website provides you with plenty of food for thought while also offering helpful tools and activities to help you make space for important conversations with your children.
School Photographs - New students and Absent students
School photographs of students who missed the original photograph day will be taken this coming Thursday (8 February 2024). This includes students who weren’t present on the previous day, either because they are new to ISA or because they were absent on that particular day.
ISA Print @ The Print Room
If you haven’t already signed up for a weekend printmaking slot at The Print Room, please visit this part of the ISA website. I can guarantee that it will be well worth the time and effort to stop by The Print Room on Union Street to see the truly amazing artwork (over 300 pieces!) by ISA students.
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