Online Safety
Online Safety
What is Online Safety?
Online safety is about using technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. It includes not only accessing the internet on computers, but also using mobile phones, tablets, games consoles, smart TVs, wearable devices, apps, social media, online games and other internet-enabled technology.
Technology plays an important role in children's learning, communication and everyday lives, offering many valuable opportunities. However, it can also present risks. By working together, schools and parents can help children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and positively.
Online Safety at SMSJ
At St Michael with St John Church of England Primary School, children learn about online safety through our computing curriculum, PSHE, Collective Worship and dedicated online safety lessons and themed events, including Safer Internet Day and our annual Safety Week.
We use high-quality resources, including those from the Thinkuknow programme, to help pupils understand how to stay safe online, make responsible choices and know what to do if they have any concerns.
Please see the links below for our Online Safety Policy and a range of helpful resources for parents and carers, including the Thinkuknow website.
Online Safety at Home
Parents and carers play an important role in helping children stay safe online. Talking regularly with your child about how they use the internet, the apps and games they enjoy, and who they communicate with online can help them develop safe and responsible online habits.
Below you will find a selection of trusted websites and resources offering practical advice, guidance and support to help families promote online safety at home.
Online Safety Policy
Useful Links:
Lancashire Online Safeguarding
Information and guidance from Lancashire County Council to support schools, parents and carers with online safeguarding. (Lancashire Education Services)
Thinkuknow (CEOP)
Age-appropriate advice, videos, games and activities to help children stay safe online, together with a dedicated section for parents and carers.
NSPCC Online Safety
Practical advice on social media, gaming, parental controls, online risks and talking to children about staying safe online.
Internet Matters
Expert advice for families, including step-by-step parental control guides for smartphones, tablets, games consoles, apps and broadband, plus age-specific online safety guidance.
Childnet – Parents and Carers
A range of helpful guides, conversation starters and resources to support children of all ages in using the internet safely and responsibly.
Online Bullying (Cyberbullying)
What is online bullying?
Online bullying, sometimes referred to as cyberbullying, is bullying that takes place through digital technology. This can include mobile phones, text messages, emails, social media, online games, messaging apps and other online platforms.
At St Michael with St John Church of England Primary School, children learn about online safety and online bullying through our computing curriculum, PSHE and dedicated online safety lessons. They are taught how to recognise online bullying, how to respond safely and where to go for help and support.
What should I do if I think my child is being bullied online?
If you believe your child is experiencing online bullying, please speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance. Where appropriate, concerns will be shared with the school's Online Safety Lead or Designated Safeguarding Lead so that appropriate support can be provided.
You can also help by:
- encouraging your child not to respond to abusive messages;
- saving screenshots or copies of messages as evidence;
- blocking and reporting the person responsible using the relevant app, game or platform; and
- ensuring privacy and parental control settings are appropriate for your child's age.
Useful resources
Childline – Online Bullying
Advice and support for children and young people about online bullying, including how to get help, stay safe online and report concerns. Click on the link below.
Reporting an Online Issue
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) is part of the National Crime Agency and works to protect children and young people from online sexual abuse and exploitation. This includes supporting children who may have been groomed online. Grooming is when someone builds a relationship with a child to manipulate, exploit or abuse them.
If you are concerned that your child has been groomed online, has received inappropriate communication or has experienced online sexual abuse or exploitation, you can make a report directly to CEOP using the link below.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger, always contact the police by calling 999.
If you have any concerns about your child's online safety, you are also encouraged to speak to your child's class teacher or a member of the school's safeguarding team.
Report an online concern to CEOP: