In today’s digital age, ensuring the online safety of our children is more crucial than ever. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and growth, but it can also present risks. By prioritising online safety, we can create a secure environment where children can explore, learn, and connect without fear. Our commitment to safeguarding children online helps protect their well-being and fosters a positive, enriching digital experience.

Online safety in School

All staff in school play a pivotal role in ensuring children's online safety at school. Online safety is embedded into the curriculum , teaching students about the importance of responsible online behaviour and how to recognise potential dangers. Through dedicated lessons, assemblies, and themed days, teachers provide practical advice on the following topics: Copywrite and Ownership, Managing online information, Self Image and Identity, Online relationships, Health, Wellbeing and lifestyle, Online reputation and privacy and security.

Additionally, staff foster an open environment where students feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns. By staying informed about the latest online trends and threats, staff can effectively guide students in navigating the digital world safely.

The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory document explains the requirement to have filtering and monitoring in place at school. It states:

• Filtering should be “age appropriate”.
• Overblocking should not lead to “unnecessary restrictions” around teaching and learning.

Therefore, Smoothwall filtering and monitoring software is in place at the school to monitor the online and offline activity of pupils against a wide range of concerns.

Signing an acceptable use agreement in school is a crucial step in helping children stay safe online. This agreement that children sign at the beginning of each year, outlines clear guidelines and expectations for responsible internet use, ensuring that students understand the importance of maintaining their privacy, respecting others, and avoiding harmful content. By signing this document, children commit to following safe online practices, which helps protect them from cyberbullying, inappropriate material, and other online threats. Additionally, it fosters a sense of accountability and awareness, empowering students to make informed decisions while navigating the digital world. This proactive approach not only safeguards their well-being but also promotes a positive and respectful online community.

Online safety at home

Being online presents lots of great opportunities for children, from supporting them with school work to communicating with friends and family. However, being online can also come with numerous risks. At home is where your child will spend most of their time online, so it is vital for you to know how to help keep them safe. Sign up to our annual Parent Online Safety Workshop in person or via live stream to keep up to date with the latest online trends and potential threats.

Key considerations for you and your child at home

Sharing information:

Does your child overshare when they are on the Internet? Do they know not to share personal information such as their full name or address online? Spend time talking to your child about what is safe and not safe to share online. 

Age restrictions:

Are you aware of the content your child is accessing? Some content out there is not suitable for children. If children are playing games online, they usually come with an age certification but when accessing online content through a video streaming platform, this is not always the case. Encourage your child to ask you for guidance when accessing new content or websites so you can help show them if it is safe and/or suitable for them. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ 

Gaming:

More and more games are regularly available for your child to access online. Online games may involve online chats, live chats or include pop-up advertisements that encourage your children to buy products or more lives. Regularly chat to your child about what games they are playing online and what peripheral content they might be subjected to. Websites such as https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ can also support you with keeping up to date with new games that are available and their age restrictions. 

Online Bullying:

Children find it a lot easier to be hurtful towards others when they are online than face to face. Encourage regular talks with your child about how to be kind when they are online. When online, your child could also be a victim of bullying. If you do suspect your child is being bullied, talk to them and ask them to explain what is happening. All apps and websites have the ability to block and report users. You can use this website to find out how help to keep your child safe from cyberbullying: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-childabuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/ kapowprimary.com 

Online grooming:

It is important for your child to understand that not everybody they meet online is who they say they are. Regularly review your child’s friends and contacts and ask them who they have been talking to online. Any incidents can be reported to https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ 

Screen time:

With an increased dependency on technology, it can sometimes be hard to reach a balance between screen time and ‘non-screen’ time. Encourage activities away from the screen such as playing a board game or going for a walk.

Please find below further useful resources about keeping your child safe online.