Research shows pupils at risk from new technology
Schools are failing to prevent children being put at risk from the dangers associated with the growing use of digital technology, research has found.
A study commissioned by the Becta, the government's lead agency for technology in education reveals "clear gaps" in the management of so-called e-safety schools due to a lack of any coherent policies.
The report studied 444 schools and colleges across England with the aim of ascertaining current policies for ensuring the safe use of ICT.
It found that while some schools have effective systems in place to ensure e-safety, a general lack of coherence across the educational system meant that breaches of e-safety are taking place.
In particular it singled out some local education authorities for failing to provide the necessary support to schools and teachers on the risks associated with the internet and use of mobile phones in school.
For example, teachers contacted as part of the research reported that they and their pupils need more up to date advice on issues such as the viewing of violent or pornographic online material or the risks of bullying via chat rooms, email or websites
"The current advice provided to educational establishments by LEAs does not necessarily reflect this need," the report said.
The report also recommended that all schools and colleges should appoint one member of staff to act as a designated internet or e-safety co-ordinator. This person would have responsibility for ensuring schools’ policies and systems prioritise e-safety.
And it said pupils needed to be made more aware of the risks associated with digital technology through teaching.
Charlotte Barrow from the Department of Education and Social Science, University of Central Lancashire, who led the research, said: "The research being published today provides those with a duty to protect children with an up to date picture of the challenges faced by schools as they seek to integrate ICT as a teaching and learning tool. [It] highlights a number of key steps schools can take in order to better equip them to manage e-safety issues in their particular environments."
Read the report here (PDF: 740KB)
