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| The system will protect children in all Staffordshire schools |
E-guardian to look after children in schools
An electronic guardian will protect all children in Staffordshire from bullying and other online perils.
Staffordshire County Council is introducing a sophisticated computer monitoring system in 54 secondary schools and 330 primary schools. It monitors computers in schools and provides alerts if pupils place themselves or others in danger.
It highlights inappropriate language, and captures screenshot evidence if pupils use bullying or threatening behaviour; inappropriate internet sites; or computers for unacceptable personal use during lessons. It also identifies potentially harmful situations, such as internet grooming.
The software will be provided by Securus, in collaboration with RM, as part of Staffordshire County Council's wider commitment to e-safety.
County Councillor Peter Beresford, Cabinet member or children and young people said: "It is imperative that our schools and other agencies that are involved in the protection of children have the appropriate processes and resources in place to effectively identify and respond to e-safety issues. Securus is one of the resources that will help Staffordshire County Council achieve its e-safety aims, and in time we endeavour to roll this computer monitoring solution out further to other settings, including libraries and youth centres."
Sally-Ann Griffiths, director of e-safety at Securus, said: "In today's 21st century educational environment, children and young people use ICT in various forms both in school and beyond the school gates, and as such it is vital that they are able to use these resources in a safe and responsible manner."
Staffordshire County Council is one of a growing number of local authorities that are implementing computer monitoring systems.
Introducing the software is just one step the County Council is taking to keep children safe on line. Parents wanting more information on the subject can see the e-safety toolkit on the website of Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board at www.staffsscb.org.uk
Staffordshire County Council is a member of the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board. The Board brings together representatives from various agencies and organisations in the county to work in partnership to protect children and young people. By sharing our expertise and best practice we can make sure that children, young people and their families have access to the correct support and services they need.
Page Last Modified:
22/01/2009 14:07:04
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