Online Safety
Online safety means helping children use the internet and digital technologies safely, responsibly and confidently. Technology offers amazing learning opportunities, but it can also expose children to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, scams, and online strangers. Parents, carers and schools working together is the best way to keep children safe online.
Advice for Parents & Carers
Start Conversations Early: Talking regularly with your child about what they do online builds trust and awareness. Encouraging them to talk openly about anything worrying they encounter helps keep them safe.
Helpful Parental Guides & Resources
Here are key resources with practical advice, age‑appropriate tips, and tools:
- Thinkuknow (CEOP / NCA) – Online safety advice from UK law enforcement and interactive guides for different age groups.
- UK Safer Internet Centre – Parents & Carers – Tips on online risks and how to set up parental controls.
- NSPCC Online Safety Hub – Includes talking tips and support helpline (0808 800 5000).
- Internet Matters – Guides on parental controls, app walkthroughs and screen time support.
- Childnet – Parents & Carers – Covers key topics like cyberbullying, gaming and social media.
- Parentkind Online Safety Toolkit – Decision trees, screen time challenges and tips to build safe online habits.
Resources for Children & Young People
CEOP Thinkuknow – Ages 5–7 & 8–10 – Interactive games and activities to learn safe online behaviours.
Be Internet Legends (Google / UK Safer Internet Centre) – Fun and educational activities teaching kids about respectful and safe online behaviour.
CEOP ‘Jigsaw’ and Smartie the Penguin – Stories and cartoons that teach internet safety concepts to younger children.
Parental Controls & Device Support
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Internet Matters app guides – step‑by‑step setup for consoles, phones and tablets.
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Google Families resources – family‑friendly guides on screen time and wellbeing.
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Report Harmful Content – UK Safer Internet Centre reporting tool for harmful content online.
Top Online Safety Topics for Families
✔ Cyberbullying & being kind online
✔ Protecting personal information
✔ Setting strong passwords
✔ Using parental controls effectively
✔ Age‑appropriate gaming and social media use
✔ Talking about online challenges, scams and inappropriate contact today’s children face
What To Do If Something Happens
If a child experiences something upsetting or harmful online:
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Stay calm and listen.
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Preserve evidence (screenshots, messages).
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Report the issue via CEOP (especially if someone is asking for inappropriate content).
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Contact local authorities in emergencies.
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Use Childline (0800 1111) for free confidential advice for children.
School’s Role
Our school teaches online safety as part of computing lessons and across the curriculum. We use age‑appropriate activities to help pupils learn how to be safe, responsible and respectful online, and work with families to reinforce these messages at home.