E-safety | IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Preparation - Year 11 PDF Download

E-safety

• E-safety is the practice of using the internet, email, social media, and online gaming in a safe and responsible manner. It involves understanding how to protect oneself from potential online dangers and threats.
• When individuals engage with the internet, email, social media, or online gaming, they are practicing e-safety by being cautious and mindful of their online activities.
• Understanding e-safety empowers individuals to safeguard themselves against various online risks such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and harmful content.

The Need for E-Safety

• Protects personal information: Raises awareness about the importance of safeguarding personal information and refraining from freely sharing it.
• Prevents cyberbullying: Enhances awareness about appropriate online behavior to prevent cyberbullying and fosters a safe and respectful online environment.
• Guards against online scams: Educates individuals on identifying and avoiding online scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent websites to protect against data and financial exploitation.
• Ensures digital reputation: Promotes mindfulness regarding online actions and interactions to safeguard one's digital reputation, which can significantly impact personal and professional lives.
• Promotes privacy and control: Empowers individuals to manage privacy settings on social media platforms, allowing control over who can access and view personal information and posts.
• Prevents exposure to inappropriate content: Encourages strategies to avoid encountering explicit or harmful online content, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to inappropriate material or online predators.
• Secures online gaming experiences: Advocates responsible engagement in online gaming, including refraining from sharing personal details and maintaining respectful behavior towards other players.
• Guards against malware and viruses: Emphasizes the importance of protecting devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats to prevent data loss, privacy breaches, or device damage.
• Promotes responsible digital citizenship: Cultivates responsible online behaviors and promotes respectful conduct when interacting with others on the internet.
• Supports overall well-being: Encourages maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities to mitigate risks of addiction, mental health issues, and negative impacts on relationships and self-esteem.

Advice

The Internet

• Use trusted websites recommended by teachers or reputable sources.
• Utilize search engines that only allow access to age-appropriate websites and employ filters to prevent exposure to inappropriate content.
• Never disclose personal information.

Email

• Be cautious of potential dangers when opening or replying to emails from unknown senders, including attachments, as they may pose risks like phishing or spam.
• Ensure you know the recipient when considering sending personal data or images via email, limiting such sharing to individuals you know and refraining from including identifiable content such as school photos.

Social media

• Learn how to block and report individuals who send unwanted content or messages.
• Familiarize yourself with privacy settings to restrict the audience for your posts or images.
• Be mindful of the risks associated with meeting online contacts in person; refrain from meeting anyone you don't know, and if you do, ensure to bring an adult and meet in a public place.
• Avoid distributing inappropriate images or language and respect the confidentiality of other people's personal data.
• Only accept friend requests from individuals you know, and keep your parents informed about your online activities.

Online gaming

• Avoid using real names as usernames to protect your identity.
• Never share personal or financial details with other players.
• Learn how to block and report players for inappropriate messages or comments.