Safe Internet Use

Great Marlow School are fully aware of the benefits and problems that the social networking sites of Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter pose. Sadly, it is becoming more apparent that unscrupulous individuals target young people by befriending them using these platforms.

Rather than remaining inactive GMS believe it is important to arm students with knowledge and a means to deal with the problem. Giving students an insight into the dangers of social media, and offering coping strategies, including an understanding of safe places to go for support, is important to the school.

Drama is an accessible way to raise awareness in students. An outside theatre company has been invited in to perform a drama called Chelsea’s Choice; it is an interactive play that tackles the difficult issue of Child Sexual Exploitation in an accessible way. Actors present the life of Chelsea in a manner that makes it clear that individuals have choices, and safe choices lead to a safe outcome.

Students will have an opportunity to discuss the drama and in doing so will learn strategies to deal with characters who provide a threat on the internet. Throughout, school staff will be on hand to offer assistance, answer questions and reassure.

The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) wellbeing of our students is important to GMS: we endeavour to guide all our students towards making choices that keeps them safe.