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Online Safety

Online Safety: A Guide for Parents and Carers 

Helping children learn how to stay safe online is an essential part of the partnership between family and school. While the positives of the digital world overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives, children, schools, and parents must remain aware of various online risks. Online safety is more about parenting and communication skills than just technology; it is vital to maintain an open and ongoing discussion as a family. 

How to Support Your Child 

The best way to support your child is by talking to them regularly about their digital life . You do not need to be a technical expert; simply ask your child to explain the apps, sites, and games they use 5. 

  • Who are they with? Know who your child is communicating with online. 

  • What are they doing? Ask what they are watching and what they like about it. 

  • How long are they online? Build screen time around family activities, rather than the other way around. 

  • Where are they using devices? Using technology late at night or in bedrooms can negatively impact sleep and school performance. 

Age-Appropriate Guidance 

Children use the internet in different ways as they grow, and their safety needs change accordingly. 

  • Under 7s (EYFS & KS1): Focus on animations like "Jessie and Friends," which follow characters navigating the online world, and use these as conversation starters. 

  • Ages 8-11 (KS2): At this age, children are more likely to watch videos, play games, and make video calls. Common concerns include too much screen time, in-game spending, and viewing violent content. Use tools like "Find the Fake" to help them recognize misinformation. 

Social Media and Gaming 

It is important to note that most social media platforms have a minimum age requirement of 13+ (and 16+ for WhatsApp in the UK). Primary-aged children should not have their own accounts on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram. 

For gaming, platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are popular. Ensure you: 

  • Set up parental controls on consoles and in-app. 

  • Review purchase settings to limit in-game spending. 

  • Discuss the importance of keeping personal information private. 

Practical Steps for Home 

  • Set up Parental Controls: Use filtering and restrictions on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets. 

  • Create Profiles: On platforms like YouTube and Netflix, use "Kids" profiles to ensure content is age-appropriate. 

  • Be "Share Aware": Remind children that while sharing is good in person, sharing private information or images online can be dangerous. 

What to Do if You Are Concerned 

If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, or if they have been contacted by an unknown adult or are being cyberbullied, please contact the School’s Safeguarding Team immediately. You can also report serious concerns regarding grooming or abuse to CEOP. 

Useful Websites for Further Information 

  • Internet Matters: Comprehensive advice, age-specific checklists, and step-by-step parental control guides. 

  • NSPCC: Guidance on being "Share Aware," sexting, and general online safety. 

  • Thinkuknow: An education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command with resources for parents and children. 

  • Childnet: A charity dedicated to making the internet a safe place for children with tailored resources for parents. 

  • Ask About Games: Specific advice for parents on video games and consoles.