Illegal Incidents. If there is any suspicion that the web site(s) concerned may contain child abuse images, or if there is any other suspected illegal activity, refer to the right hand side of the Flowchart (below and appendix) for responding to online safety incidents and report immediately to the police. Other Incidents It is hoped that all members of the school community will be responsible users of digital technologies, who understand and follow school policy. However, there may be times when infringements of the policy could take place, through careless or irresponsible or, very rarely, through deliberate misuse. In the event of suspicion, all steps in this procedure should be followed: • Have more than one senior member of staff involved in this process. This is vital to protect individuals if accusations are subsequently reported. • Conduct the procedure using a designated computer that will not be used by young people and if necessary can be taken off site by the police should the need arise. Use the same computer for the duration of the procedure. • It is important to ensure that the relevant staff should have appropriate internet access to conduct the procedure, but also that the sites and content visited are closely monitored and recorded (to provide further protection). • Record the URL of any site containing the alleged misuse and describe the nature of the content causing concern. It may also be necessary to record and store screenshots of the content on the machine being used for investigation. These may be printed, signed and attached to the form (except in the case of images of child sexual abuse – see below) • Once this has been completed and fully investigated the group will need to judge whether this concern has substance or not. If it does, then appropriate action will be required and could include the following: o Internal response or discipline procedures o Involvement by Local Authority or national/local organisation (as relevant). o Police involvement and/or action • If content being reviewed includes images of child abuse, then the monitoring should be halted and referred to the Police immediately. Other instances to report to the police would include: o incidents of ‘grooming’ behaviour o the sending of obscene materials to a child o adult material which potentially breaches the Obscene Publications Act o criminally racist material o promotion of terrorism or extremism o offences under the Computer Misuse Act (see User Actions chart above) o other ...
