Our Approach to Online Safety
At Saughall All Saints C of E Primary School, we take the safety and wellbeing of our pupils very seriously. We recognise that the internet and digital technology provide valuable opportunities for children to learn, communicate and have fun. However, we also understand that children can encounter risks online and need support to develop the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe.
Online safety is an important part of our safeguarding responsibilities and is taught through our curriculum, including Computing and Relationships Education. We help children understand how to behave respectfully online, protect their personal information, recognise potential dangers and know what to do if something makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.
We encourage parents and carers to work in partnership with us to help children develop safe and responsible online habits at school and at home.
How can parents and carers help?
We recommend that parents and carers:
Talk regularly about online safety. Encourage your child to tell you about their online activities and to speak to a trusted adult if something upsets or worries them.
Know what your child is accessing. Be aware of the websites, apps, games and platforms they use and who they communicate with online.
Check age restrictions. Many apps, games and social media platforms have minimum age requirements. Check these before allowing your child to register or use a service.
Use parental controls. Set appropriate controls on devices, broadband connections, search engines, gaming consoles and streaming services.
Protect personal information. Remind children not to share their full name, address, school, passwords, location or other personal details with people they do not know and trust.
Encourage kindness and respect. Explain that online behaviour should be as kind and respectful as face-to-face behaviour.
Discuss what they see online. Help children understand that not everything they read, watch or hear online is true or appropriate. This includes misleading information, inappropriate images, online challenges and content generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Agree sensible boundaries. Establish age-appropriate rules about screen time, online games, chatting, sharing photographs and using devices.
If your child tells you about an upsetting online experience, remain calm, listen carefully and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
Online safety advice and support
The following trusted organisations provide practical advice, guidance and resources to help parents and children stay safe online.
Thinkuknow – National Crime Agency
Thinkuknow provides age-appropriate online safety advice and activities to help children understand online risks, recognise unsafe behaviour and seek help.
Internet Matters
Provides practical guidance on parental controls, online gaming, social media, cyberbullying, screen time and age-appropriate online experiences.
Childnet
Offers advice and resources to help children use technology safely and responsibly, including guidance for parents and carers.
NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online
Provides advice on online risks, talking to children about their experiences and helping them stay safe when using digital technology.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Visit the UK Safer Internet Centre
Provides online safety advice, educational resources and information about reporting harmful online content.
Childline
Visit Childline or call 0800 1111.
Childline offers free, confidential support to children and young people who need someone to talk to about bullying, online worries or other concerns.
Reporting an online safety concern
If you are concerned that your child is being groomed, sexually exploited or contacted inappropriately online, you can report your concern to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP).
If you are concerned about your child's safety or something that has happened online, you can also contact the school and speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs Prenton) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs Cook).
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
At Saughall All Saints, we believe that working together is essential to keeping children safe. By developing children's understanding, encouraging open conversations and providing consistent guidance, we can help them enjoy the benefits of the online world while learning to recognise and respond to potential risks.