Today's digital world creates a wealth of opportunities for teaching and learning, but sadly it also presents a multitude of dangers. Cyberbullying and predator grooming are just two of the issues that currently pose a significant concern for students, parents, teachers and schools alike. In response, Pembrokeshire County Council has partnered with Securus, the leading provider of educational e-safety software, to implement computer monitoring software in all secondary schools across the county. Following a highly successful pilot project in Ysgol Dewi Sant and Pembroke School, full roll out commences across the remaining secondary schools in the area from this month. Alona Jones, adviser for ICT at Pembrokeshire County Council, commented: "The council is committed to safeguarding children while using technology and as part of this we have pioneered a multi-agency approach to e-safety, joining forces with Dyfed Powys Police, Pembrokeshire Children's Services and the NHS to form the Internet Safety Working Group. "Through implementing this e-safety solution from Securus, we can now help protect young people when using technology both online and offline. We recognise that technology offers a wealth of opportunities and is exciting for young people, so our aim is to promote and encourage the use of technology while also educating students and parents on the potential dangers." These schools will be able to monitor their computer networks for inappropriate language, access to unsuitable internet sites, or unacceptable personal use of computers during lessons. Furthermore, schools will be alerted to other potentially harmful situations, such as signs of depression or suicide, predator grooming, sexual, racial or religious harassment, drugs, pornography or gambling - all of which are a growing concern. Secondary schools in Pembrokeshire will receive screenshots of every violation, both on and offline, even if content is not saved or is deleted. Details of the user, workstation, time and date will allow the teachers to discuss and educate students on the dangers of such breaches. Director of e-safety for Securus, Sally-Ann Griffiths, commented: "There are growing issues surrounding the safe usage of technology for young people, particularly in terms of the internet. A key benefit of this e-safety solution for schools across Pembrokeshire is that it provides peace of mind for parents, teachers, students and the schools themselves. Students within Pembrokeshire are now encouraged to exploit the opportunities that technology offers, while also being educated to use online and offline technology in a safe and appropriate way."
