The internet offers children wonderful opportunities to learn, create and stay connected with friends and family. However, it is important that children are supported to use technology safely and responsibly.
At school, we teach children about online safety as part of our computing and PSHE curriculum. We also encourage parents and carers to take an active role in helping children develop safe habits when using devices at home. If you are concerned about cyberbullying (bullying that takes place online), please scroll to the bottom of this page for some advice.
- Talk regularly about online activity
Ask your child about the games they play, the apps they use and the websites they visit. Showing interest helps children feel comfortable talking to you if something worries them
- Set clear rules and boundaries
Agree simple family rules about when and where devices can be used. For example, many families choose to keep devices out of bedrooms at night
- Use parental controls
Most devices, broadband providers and apps include parental controls that allow you to restrict content, set time limits and monitor usage
- Remind children about the rules around sharing personal information
Children should never share personal details such as their full name, address, school, phone number or passwords online
- Encourage children to tell a trusted adult
Make sure your child knows they should speak to a trusted adult if they see something upsetting, are contacted by someone they do not know, or feel uncomfortable online
- Know how to report concerns
Many games, apps and websites have reporting tools. Serious concerns about online grooming or exploitation can be reported to CEOP (see below)
The following organisations provide helpful guidance and resources for keeping children safe online:
NSPCC – Online Safety
Practical advice for parents about apps, games, and managing online risks
CEOP Education (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
Advice on online safety and a place to report serious concerns about online abuse
Childnet
Parent guides, videos and resources about helping children stay safe online
UK Safer Internet Centre
Information about parental controls and online safety advice. Alternatively, click here for a page to read through with your child
Internet Matters
Step-by-step guides to setting parental controls and supporting children online
Keeping children safe online is most effective when school and families work together. By encouraging open conversations, setting sensible boundaries and making use of available tools and guidance, we can help children enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe.
If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, please speak us in school. We are always happy to offer advice or support.
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology such as messaging, games, social media or online comments to upset, threaten or repeatedly target another person. It can happen through text messages, online games, group chats or social media platforms.
If your child is experiencing cyberbullying, the most important thing is that they feel supported and listened to. The following steps can help you respond calmly and effectively:
If your child tells you they are being bullied online
Stay calm and listen carefully to what they are saying
Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you
Avoid blaming them or taking devices away straight away, as this may stop them sharing concerns in the future
Children need to know that they will not get into trouble for speaking up.
If possible, keep a record of what has happened. This may include
screenshots of messages
photos of posts or comments
usernames or account names
This information can be helpful if the issue needs to be reported to a website, school or other organisation.
Most websites, apps and games allow users to
block other users
report abusive messages or behaviour
Encourage your child to avoid responding to unkind messages and instead block and report the person responsible. If you're not sure of how to do this, please let us know in school and we'll help you with it.
If cyberbullying involves children from school, please inform the school as soon as possible.
Even if the behaviour happens outside school hours, it can still affect children’s wellbeing and relationships in school.
We can help by:
speaking with the children involved
monitoring behaviour in school
supporting those affected
If the situation continues or becomes more serious, parents may find additional advice from trusted organisations helpful.
NSPCC – advice for parents about bullying and online safety
Childline – confidential support for children and young people
Anti-Bullying Alliance – guidance on recognising and responding to bullying
Children who experience cyberbullying should never feel that they have to deal with it alone. Open communication between home and school is the best way to support children and help resolve concerns quickly.