We believe it’s important to keep our children safe online, and we encourage you to work with us to ensure they have a positive and secure digital experience both at school and at home.
At Oliver Goldsmith, our vision is a school community that embraces the use of different technologies to enhance learning and thinking, as well as teaching all of our children how to be safe and responsible digital citizens who make informed decisions about their actions online.
Children are taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, keeping personal information private; they recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and can identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
We believe that regular, open conversations between parents, carers and children about using the internet is ultimately the best way to keep children safe online. While there are huge benefits to being online, it is important to be aware that any time children use the internet, they face some potential risks. We believe understanding what your child is doing online helps keep them safe online: make talking about what they do online a normal part of everyday life, rather than something that only happens when there’s a problem or issue.
In this day and age, online safety has to be more than a reminder not to speak to strangers online. As children begin to navigate the internet and use it in different ways as they grow older, their own personal conduct online is also an area where they need guidance. We believe it is important to teach children about both the technological, and social and emotional aspects of being safe and successful online.
How We Keep Children Safe Online at School
- Filtered Internet Access: Our school uses secure networks with filtered access, blocking harmful and inappropriate content.
- Supervised Online Activities: Teachers closely supervise all online activities in the classroom, ensuring students only access appropriate content.
- E-Safety Lessons: We follow the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) TEACH Computing curriculum which currently covers all the requirements in the National Curriculum for online safety. Lessons focus on online safety, helping children understand the importance of privacy, safe browsing, and responsible communication.
- Digital Citizenship Education: We teach children about respect and kindness in digital interactions to foster a positive and respectful online environment.
- Cyberbullying Prevention: Our anti-bullying policy includes guidelines for cyberbullying. Students are encouraged to report any issues, and staff are trained to handle these situations with sensitivity and urgency.
Essential E-Safety Tips:
- Open Communication: Talk to your child regularly about their online activities and experiences, including uncomfortable encounters. Encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns. Being open helps build trust so they feel comfortable approaching you with concerns.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear rules about screen time , permissible content and online behavior. Supervise their online activities, especially for younger children. Designate “offline” times to encourage a healthy balance.
- Use Parental Controls: Many devices and apps have built-in parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content. Setting these controls can add an extra layer of security for your child.
- Teach Critical Thinking: Help your child understand that not everything they see online is true. Encourage them to think critically about the information they encounter.
- Encourage Smart Privacy Habits: Teach children to keep personal information private. Explain why they should avoid sharing personal details, like their full name, address, or school.
- Be a Positive Role Model: Model responsible online behavior for your child. Show children the importance of respectful and mindful communication. How you interact online sets an example they are likely to follow. Limit your own screen time and be mindful of your digital footprint.
- Be Aware of Apps and Games: Know which apps and games your child is using. Some may have hidden risks, such as chatting features that connect them with strangers. Common apps parents should review include social media apps, gaming platforms, and messaging services.
Have a look at how to help your child build their emotional resilience here: build-emotional-resilience
Here’s a safety guide, offering you top-level advice on how to successfully think up and enforce rules for using devices. tips-for-creating-family-rules-for-using-devices (1)
E-Safety Resources for Parents
- NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) – Provides guidance on talking to children about online safety, including resources for reporting concerns. Learn more on their website.
- Internet Matters – A resource dedicated to helping parents keep children safe online with age-specific advice. Visit Internet Matters.
- ThinkUKnow – Developed by the UK National Crime Agency, this site provides excellent guides on a range of e-safety topics. Check out ThinkUKnow.
- Common Sense Media – Offers reviews and guidance on apps, games, and media to help parents make informed choices. Visit Common Sense Media.
Fun and Engaging Websites for kids
1. ThinkUKnow – Kids Section
ThinkUKnow’s website for children includes age-specific content (5-7, 8-10, and 11-13) with videos, games, and advice on online safety. The resources cover topics like safe chatting, keeping personal information private, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
Visit ThinkUKnow for Kids: thinkuknow.co.uk
2. Internet Matters – Learn About Online Safety Through Games
Internet Matters offers resources for both parents and children, including interactive games that teach about online privacy, bullying, and digital citizenship. Their activities engage kids in scenarios they might encounter online, helping them make safe choices.
Visit Internet Matters Kids Section: internetmatters.org
3. CyberSprinter by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
CyberSprinter is a fast-paced, game-based resource developed by the NCSC for children aged 7-11. Players race to complete tasks, all while learning how to protect their personal information, create strong passwords, and stay safe online.
Play CyberSprinter: ncsc.gov.uk
4. Be Internet Awesome by Google
Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” program has an interactive game called Interland, where kids explore four different worlds to learn about online kindness, safety, privacy, and security. The game presents real-life situations in a fun, colorful, and kid-friendly way.
Play Interland: beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com
5. CBBC – Stay Safe on the Internet
CBBC’s website has videos, quizzes, and articles on staying safe online, made especially for children. The interactive content includes advice on managing screen time, avoiding cyberbullying, and practicing safe social media habits.
Visit CBBC Stay Safe: bbc.co.uk/cbbc
6. NetSmartz Kids
NetSmartz Kids offers games, videos, and e-books that teach kids how to stay safe online. Their Webville Outlaws series, for instance, uses cartoon characters to explain online safety tips in an entertaining and accessible way.
Visit NetSmartz Kids: netsmartzkids.org
7. Safer Internet Centre – KidSmart
The UK Safer Internet Centre’s KidSmart page offers downloadable activities, games, and quizzes. It includes helpful information on managing online friendships, avoiding scams, and setting secure passwords.
Visit KidSmart: saferinternet.org.uk
What to Do If You Have Concerns
If you notice concerning online behavior or suspect your child is experiencing cyberbullying or other risks online, please don’t hesitate to contact our school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. We’re here to support you and work together to address any concerns.
Let’s Work Together for a Safer Online World for Our Children
Thank you for your ongoing support in teaching our students about online safety. Together, we can help them become responsible, informed, and secure digital citizens.
