Online Safety
Helping our children to live, learn and laugh safely in the digital world
Technology and the internet are an important part of our children’s lives. They provide wonderful opportunities to learn, create, communicate, play and explore. However, the online world also brings risks, and we want to work in partnership with parents and carers to help our children develop the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need to stay safe.
At the Bramford and Somersham Primary School Federation, online safety is part of our wider safeguarding and personal development work. We talk regularly with children about how to use technology safely and responsibly, how to recognise when something does not feel right, and most importantly, who they can talk to if they are worried.
Talking to your child about being online
One of the most effective ways of keeping children safe online is to talk to them regularly about what they are doing online.
You do not need to be an expert in every app, game or device. Showing an interest in what your child enjoys online can help create an environment where they feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong.
You could ask:
- What games or apps are you enjoying at the moment?
- Who do you talk to when you are online?
- What do you like about being online?
- Has anything ever made you feel uncomfortable or worried?
- Do you know how to block or report someone?
- Who would you talk to if something online made you feel worried?
Remind your child that they can always talk to a trusted adult, even if they have made a mistake or are worried that they might be in trouble.
Some simple things parents and carers can do
As a family, you can help your child stay safer online by:
Talk – Keep conversations about online life open and regular.
Check – Know which apps, games and websites your child is using and understand the age restrictions that apply.
Set – Use parental controls, privacy settings and age-appropriate restrictions on devices, games and apps.
Think – Encourage children to think before sharing photographs, videos, personal information or messages.
Report – Make sure your child knows how to block and report accounts, content or behaviour that makes them uncomfortable.
Listen – If your child tells you something worrying has happened online, stay calm, listen and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
Parental controls are useful, but they are only one part of keeping children safe online. Regular conversations and helping children develop good judgement are just as important.
If something goes wrong
Sometimes children may come across something upsetting, receive an inappropriate message, experience cyberbullying, or be contacted by someone they do not know.
If this happens:
- Stay calm and listen.
- Reassure your child that they have done the right thing by telling you.
- Do not blame or shame them.
- Where appropriate, block the account and report the content or behaviour.
- Keep evidence, such as screenshots or messages, if you may need to report what has happened.
- Seek further help if you are concerned about your child's safety.
If you believe that an adult is attempting to groom or sexually abuse a child online, concerns can be reported to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection). The NSPCC also provides advice about reporting different types of online safety concerns.
Useful websites for parents and carers
NSPCC – Online Safety
A comprehensive guide for parents covering social media, gaming, phones, parental controls, harmful content, online wellbeing and much more.
Internet Matters
Practical, parent-friendly advice about apps, games, social media, devices, parental controls and different online risks.
CEOP Education
Advice and resources from the National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command, including resources to help parents talk to children about staying safe online.
Childline
Childline provides free, confidential support for children and young people. Children can call 0800 1111 or access support online.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Advice and resources for children, young people, parents and schools about safe and responsible use of technology.
Thinkuknow
Age-appropriate online safety information and activities for children and young people, with advice for parents and carers.
Remember: you don't have to know everything
The online world changes quickly, and it can be difficult for parents and carers to keep up with every new app, game or trend.
You don't have to be an online safety expert. Being interested, talking regularly, setting appropriate boundaries and making sure your child knows they can come to you when something goes wrong are some of the most important things you can do.
Together, we can help our children to live, learn and laugh safely, responsibly and respectfully – both online and offline.
