Online Safety
Our children are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we recognise that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated with online activity. As a school, we are committed to helping children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to stay safe online.
Throughout school, we aim to teach children about the impact of online-bullying and what to do if they have been affected. We also encourage them to be vigilant when communicating online, recognising that people may not always be who they say they are, and to be sensible about what they share. Children are taught to tell a trusted adult if something is upsetting them, and to question the reliability of information provided through web-based sources. In addition, we support pupils to search responsibly for information using internet browsers.
In school, we use a filtering system to prevent children accessing inappropriate sites. However, we understand that much of our pupils’ use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters. For this reason, we encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about their online experiences, set clear boundaries for screen time, and check age-appropriate settings on devices and apps. It is also important to consider the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), which can make online content more convincing, faster to produce and sometimes harder to verify. Children need support to understand that not everything they see online is accurate or appropriate.
As well as safety, we encourage families to think about balance. A healthy relationship with technology should support learning, communication and enjoyment without damaging mental health and wellbeing. Regular breaks, offline activities and open conversations can help children manage their use of technology positively.
Below is a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child.
Parent Guides
As part of our commitment to collaborating with parents to improve online safety for children, we send regular parent guides in our newsletter. These guides are produced by the National College and offer clear, supportive guidance to help parents and educators feel more confident in navigating the online world with children and young people. They explore how everyday conversations, simple boundaries and a little digital awareness can make a real difference to young people’s online experiences. The guides also explain how parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable asking for help if something online unsettles them, promoting safe and healthy internet use. You can access some of these guides below:
