Online Safety
Helping children stay safe, happy and confident online
The internet is a huge part of children’s lives. It gives them amazing opportunities to learn, create, play and connect with other people. But, just like in the real world, there are things online that children need to learn how to deal with safely.
At Malmesbury Primary, we want children to become confident, responsible and thoughtful digital citizens. Online safety isn’t something we teach once and then forget about – it is something we talk about regularly as children become more independent and the technology they use changes.
We teach children about online safety as part of our wider curriculum and through discussions, assemblies and activities. We want children to know what to do if something worries them, who they can talk to and how to make sensible choices online.
The online world is changing all the time
For parents, keeping up with what children are doing online can sometimes feel like a full-time job! New apps appear, games change, children move between different platforms and things such as AI are becoming part of everyday life.
You don’t need to be an expert.
The most important thing you can do is talk to your child regularly about what they are doing online. Ask them what they enjoy, who they talk to, what games they play and whether they have ever seen anything that made them uncomfortable or worried.
Keeping the conversation open means your child is more likely to come to you when something goes wrong.
A few simple things that make a big difference
Useful resources for parents
There is a lot of advice online, so we’ve selected some of the organisations we think are most useful. These are good places to start if you’re unsure about a particular app, game or online issue.
Internet Matters
A really useful starting point for parents. It has practical guides covering apps, games, social media, screen time, parental controls and different age groups.
Childnet
Childnet provides advice and resources specifically designed to help children, parents and schools stay safe online. Their Family Agreement is particularly useful for helping families agree some simple rules about using technology.
NSPCC Online Safety
The NSPCC has a comprehensive online safety hub covering social media, gaming, phones, parental controls, online bullying, inappropriate content and online wellbeing. They also have advice about talking to children about AI and other emerging technology.
Visit the NSPCC Online Safety Hub
Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is the online safety education programme from CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency. It has age-appropriate information and activities for children, young people, parents and carers.
Childline
If your child is worried about something that has happened online, Childline provides free, confidential support. Children can call 0800 1111 or access support online.
Need help with a particular app or game?
One of the most useful things parents can do is check the age rating and safety information before allowing a child to use a new app or game.
Internet Matters has guides covering many of the platforms children use, while the NSPCC also has specific advice about social media, online games, chat apps and livestreaming.
If you’re unsure about something your child is using, ask them to show you how it works. You may be surprised by what you learn!
Our online safety work
We have previously held an online safety talk for parents, where Mr Watkins (Deputy Head Teacher) looked at some of the dangers children can face online, what we do in school to help keep children safe and some practical things parents can do at home.
You can access the resources from the talk here:
We’re also trying something a little different.
Mr Watkins is creating a series of Instagram and Facebook reels with children, chatting about the things they enjoy doing online as well as some of the challenges they can face when using the internet and social media.
The aim is simple: to get children talking about their online lives and to give parents some useful starting points for conversations at home.
More reels will be added as the series develops.
If something goes wrong
If your child sees something upsetting, receives an inappropriate message, is being bullied online or has been contacted by someone they don’t know, please don’t feel that you have to deal with it on your own.
Talk to your child, save any evidence such as screenshots and let school know if it is affecting them in school.
If you are concerned about a child’s safety, you can also seek advice from the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
Remember…
You don’t need to know everything about technology to help your child stay safe.
Be interested. Keep talking. Set sensible boundaries. And make sure your child knows that if something goes wrong online, they can always come and talk to you.