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Staying Safe Online

Here on the Hill we are committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all pupils, and sharing effective strategies for staying safe online are a key part of this aim.

This week we welcomed guest speaker, and e-safety expert Karl Hopwood, to Kingham to deliver a series of presentations to pupils and staff providing valuable insights into the ever-expanding digital world, and guidance on how to reap its benefits, whilst minimising potential risks.

Karl is an independent e-safety expert with a wealth of experience of all things digital. He is a member of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), and serves on the advisory board for the UK Safer Internet Centre and the education advisory board for CEOP. His extensive experience includes working with prominent organisations such as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), the British Educational and Communications Technology Agency (BECTA), the European Commission, and various local authorities in the UK and abroad.

In his wide-ranging presentations Karl discussed a variety of topics, focussing on online safety and awareness. He detailed the impact of cyberbullying, the differences between online and face-to-face communication, and the various ways in which individuals can become victims of online abuse. He also emphasised the distinction between 'banter' and 'bullying,' highlighting how expression and reaction play important roles.

In addition, he talked about the advancements in AI through apps and websites like ChatGPT and Snapchat, noting that while these technologies offer significant benefits to society, they also pose potential risks.

He concluded each session by urging everyone to always be mindful of online content they encounter and to seek help whenever they feel uncertain or threatened.

Karl’s talks were incredibly useful, strengthening the knowledge of both pupils and staff in terms of how they can operate safely within the digital environment.