Internet Usage Policy
10.3 Internet Usage Policy
As a childminder I occasionally offer children the opportunity to use the computer and/or the world wide web.
I am aware of the need to limit the time children spend on computers and will develop strategies to ensure that they spend a balance of time engaged in ICT and other activities.
In practice this means that children in my service are not usually allowed to use the computer since I believe it is harmful for them to be sitting still for long periods of time.
However, I occasionally allow them to use an old-fashioned educational computer program e.g. to learn maths or physics or play a DVD.
I also occasionally show them video clips on Youtube but only under supervision, e.g. we have looked at sheepdog trials or other topical things that came up in discussions.
I would not let them watch music videos or just random clips on Youtube or anywhere else on the world wide web.
I have a range of procedures to ensure their safety.
- I have a filter on my computer that blocks out inappropriate material.
- I do not permit the children to go onto chat rooms.
- I do not permit the children to use email.
- I talk to the children about the websites they are using when they are not in my service.
- I am always nearby to ensure that they do not change websites while, e.g. watching a video clip.
- I discuss with the children about the importance of keeping safe on line, not forwarding on chain letters, not talking to people they don’t know, not giving out personal information that could enable people to identify them, to tell me if they are worried about anything and to never arrange to meet anyone they have spoken to online.
- The children are not allowed to use the webcam.
I do not allow the use of smartphones, tablets or other hand-held electronic devices.
I do not allow the use of Wifi. Our Wifi is permanently switched off since we don't use Wifi in our house and I believe Wifi exposure to be harmful.