Use of Electronic Devices Policy

We believe that the internet can be a valuable resource for children’s learning and development, so long as it is used appropriately and responsibly.

As a Registered childcare provider, we offer internet access to the children in our care. However, we have the following safety measures in place:

Internet access will always be supervised. This enables us to carefully monitor the internet use.

An internet filter is installed on our equipment to identify which websites are suitable for children and to protect children from viewing inappropriate material

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We explain the ‘Internet Use Rules’ to the children:

• There is no access to chat rooms/Facebook etc
• There is no access to the web cam
• They can access agreed websites only
• They cannot download any materials without my permission

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Children will be able to access the computer, but time will be limited in the following ways:

• Toddlers – 10 minutes per day
• Pre-schoolers – 20 minutes per day

We talk about internet safety with the children in our care, after first discussing with you how you have approached this subject with them; this enables clear guidelines to be established which are acceptable to both of us. There are some very useful websites which provide information on internet safety for your child e.g.

www.ceop.police.uk

www.gov.uk/government/publications/advice-on-child-internet-safety-10-universal-guidelines-for-providers

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

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We keep all communication open for a child to know that it's never too late to tell someone if something on the internet makes them feel uncomfortable. We remind the children that the internet is public space, and that they should not post any personal information online.

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Child exploitation, Cyberbullying and e-safety

Children and young people can be exploited and suffer bullying through their use of modern technology such as the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites. In order to minimize the risks to children and young people in my care we will ensure that:

• Appropriate measures are taken such as security filtering.
• Mobile phone, camera or electronic communications with a child at my setting is not acceptable other than for agreed purposes.
• Where it is suspected that a child is at risk from internet abuse or cyber bullying we will report my concerns to parents/carers and CEOP (www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre) or the police if the child is in immediate danger.

We will seek your permission in writing before allowing your child(ren) to access the internet whilst in our care.

If you have any concerns regarding this policy, please do discuss them with us.

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Mobile phone use

Children are increasingly owning their own mobile phones and as a result of this may they may have them in their possession when collected from school. Mobile phones can be used for a number of purposes such as phone calls, text messages, taking photos and accessing social networking sites and the internet. It is our responsibility to protect all of the children in our care and keep them safe in accordance with our Use of Electronic Equipment: Internet Use, Safeguarding and Confidentiality policies. Mobile phones do not often have the security measures that we would place on our own computer equipment and it is harder for us to monitor how the children are using them. It is therefore necessary for us to implement the following policy in order to be able to monitor the use of phones and to protect the children in our care.

• Mobile phones must be kept in school bags or given to us for safe keep in until departure time.
• Phone calls will not be permitted unless agreed by us. We will provide the use of the setting phone if needed.
• Mobile phones must not be used to take photos whilst at our setting. Mobile phones cannot be used on outings.
• Photos of other children within our setting are not permitted to be taken.
• Use of phones for playing games is limited in accordance with our Use of Electronic Equipment: Television and Games Consoles policy. Games must be approved, appropriate for the ages of children playing and also those within our setting who may see or hear the game.
• Games on mobile phones will be allowed in accordance with this policy.

See our Safeguarding Children & Child Protection Policy with regard peer on peer abuse, which can include cyber-bullying and sexting.

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Television and Games Consoles

Young children learn through interactions and hands-on play and experience. The use of televisions and games consoles can interfere with these experiences however ICT also plays an important part in a child’s learning and when used appropriately can be used to extend their learning and play experiences and can teach them vital skills for progressing to school.

In order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage we will ensure appropriate ICT activities are available and will plan to use television and games consoles to extend learning experiences. Except when used as a planned activity television and games consoles will not be used.

There may be occasions where older children want to bring a handheld games machine or tablet to our setting. If your child would like to bring in an electronic device, please discuss this with us first.

To ensure the safe use of electronic games within our setting we will ensure that:

• Games are appropriate for all children attending our setting (including those within earshot of the game)
• We will work in partnership with parents/carers to develop strategies to limit time played on games if necessary.
• Alternative activities will always be made available to the playing of electronic games.

If you do not wish your child to play electronic games whilst in our care please let us know and we will be happy to discuss this.