Online Safety
At Urchfont C of E Primary School, we recognise that being safe online is an essential part of keeping children safe in today’s world. Online safety is about more than just using the internet—it also includes how we use devices, apps, and digital technology in a responsible and secure way.
As technology continues to change and develop, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up. That is why we are committed to helping our children develop the wisdom and courage they need to navigate the online world safely and confidently.
We play a vital role in preparing children for their futures, and with that comes a responsibility to safeguard their wellbeing both in school and beyond. Unfortunately, risks online can take many forms, including:
- Cyberbullying
- Online grooming
- Emotional harm
- Exploitation
While unkind behaviour has always existed, the online world can make it more persistent and harder to escape. Messages and content can reach children at any time, which can have a significant impact on their wellbeing.
Guided by our values of respect and compassion, we teach children how to treat others kindly online, recognise potential dangers, and know how to respond if something doesn’t feel right. Through education and open conversations, we encourage perseverance and build children’s confidence so they can enjoy technology safely and responsibly.
Working in partnership with families is key. By supporting children both at school and at home, we can help them experience the joy of learning and connecting online in a safe and positive way.
In the spirit of working together with respect and compassion, we have included a selection of guidance leaflets from National Online Safety that parents and carers may find helpful when supporting their child to stay safe online.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Here are some simple ways to help keep your child safe online:
- Use privacy settings – Make sure devices, apps and games are set to appropriate privacy levels.
- Know who they’re talking to – Encourage children to only communicate with people they know and trust.
- Be careful with downloads – Teach children not to download anything without checking with a trusted adult.
- Build their knowledge – Help children understand what to do if something worries them online.
- Keep communication open – Remind children they can always talk to you or a trusted adult if they feel unsure or upset.
The Equa Mead Online Safety Policy can be found at the link below:
https://www.equamead.org/Policies/
Other Useful Links:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/