Staying Safe Online

At Westacre Middle School, online safety is an important part of safeguarding and of helping pupils become confident, responsible and informed users of technology.

The online world provides many opportunities for children to learn, communicate and be creative, but it can also present risks. We aim to help pupils understand these risks, make safe choices and know what to do if something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.

How we teach online safety

Online safety is taught through our curriculum and reinforced across school. Pupils are supported to:

• use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully;

• understand how to protect their personal information and privacy;

• recognise inappropriate or harmful content and know how to report it;

• understand safe and healthy online relationships;

• think critically about information they see online, including misinformation and misleading content;

• understand the importance of age restrictions on apps, games and social media;

• recognise online bullying, grooming, scams and other potential risks;

• understand that images, messages and information shared online can be difficult to remove;

• know who they can speak to if something happens online that worries them.

Online safety messages are revisited regularly and are adapted to reflect pupils’ age, needs and the changing online environment.

Keeping pupils safe in school

The school has appropriate filtering and monitoring systems in place to help protect pupils from harmful or inappropriate online content. Any concerns identified through these systems are followed up promptly in accordance with our safeguarding procedures.

Staff model safe and responsible use of technology and ensure that pupils understand the school’s expectations when using school devices, networks and online services.

Working with Parents and Carers

Keeping children safe online works best when school and families work together. We encourage parents and carers to have regular, open conversations with their children about what they do online, including the games they play, the apps they use and the people they communicate with.

Simple steps that can help include:

• checking the age ratings and requirements of apps, games and social media platforms;

• setting appropriate parental controls and privacy settings;

• regularly reviewing these settings as children grow;

• agreeing family expectations around screen time and device use;

• encouraging children to tell a trusted adult if anything online worries or upsets them;

• talking about what information, images and videos are safe to share;

• reminding children that people online may not always be who they say they are;

• showing children how to block and report inappropriate content or contact.

Regular, calm conversations can help children feel confident about asking for help if something goes wrong online.

Useful Support for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers can find further advice and practical guidance through:

UK Safer Internet Centre – Parents and Carers UK Safer Internet Centre

NSPCC – Online Safety NSPCC

NSPCC – Parental Controls NSPCC

 Internet Matters

 CEOP Education

If you have any concerns about your child's online safety, please contact a member of our safeguarding team.