Online Safety – Information for Parents and Carers

Helping children stay safe online

At Hullavington CE Primary and Nursery School, we recognise that the internet offers wonderful opportunities for children to learn, explore, communicate and have fun. However, we also understand that the online world can present risks, and that helping children navigate it safely is an important part of growing up.

We are committed to teaching children how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, both in school and beyond. Through our curriculum, assemblies and everyday conversations, we help children develop the knowledge and confidence to make positive choices online, recognise potential dangers and know where to turn if something worries them.

Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility between school and home. By working together, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while developing healthy and safe online habits.

How we teach online safety in school

Online safety is an important part of our computing and PSHE curriculum and is reinforced throughout the school year.

Children learn about:

• Staying safe: Protecting personal information, using passwords and understanding privacy.

• Online relationships: Being kind and respectful, recognising inappropriate behaviour and understanding that people online may not always be who they say they are.

• Cyberbullying: Recognising unkind behaviour online and knowing how to report it.

• Digital wellbeing: Developing healthy habits and balancing screen time with other activities.

• Reliable information: Recognising that not everything online is true and learning to question what they see and read.

• Asking for help: Knowing what to do if they see something upsetting, frightening or inappropriate.

Our teaching is carefully adapted to ensure that it is appropriate for children's ages and stages of development.

Supporting your child at home

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children develop safe and positive online habits. Technology changes quickly, but regular conversations and a few simple precautions can make a real difference.

Our top tips for parents:

1. Talk regularly. Ask your child about the games, apps and websites they enjoy. Show an interest in their online experiences and encourage them to tell you if anything makes them uncomfortable.

2. Set clear boundaries. Agree family rules about screen time, appropriate content and when and where devices can be used.

3. Use parental controls. Explore the safety settings available on devices, apps, games and your home broadband.

4. Check age restrictions. Many popular social media platforms and games have minimum age requirements. These are there to help protect children.

5. Keep devices in shared spaces. Particularly for younger children, using devices in family areas can make it easier to supervise online activity.

6. Encourage kindness. Remind children that the same expectations of respect and good behaviour apply online as they do in person.

7. Be a positive role model. Children learn from the digital habits of the adults around them.

8. Keep communication open. Reassure your child that they can always come to you if something goes wrong online, without fear of getting into trouble.

Gaming, social media and messaging

Online games and messaging platforms are increasingly popular with primary-aged children. Many allow users to communicate with others, share content or make purchases within games.

We encourage parents to check the age ratings, privacy settings and communication features of any games or apps their children use. Be particularly mindful of games that allow children to chat with strangers or access user-generated content.

Even when parental controls are in place, regular supervision and open conversations remain essential.

What should I do if something goes wrong?

If your child experiences something upsetting or unsafe online, try to remain calm and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.

Listen carefully, avoid blaming them and help them understand that they are not responsible for the behaviour of others.

Where appropriate, you can block or report users, review privacy settings and use the reporting tools provided by the platform. Keep relevant evidence, such as messages or screenshots, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

If you are concerned about online bullying, inappropriate contact or anything affecting your child's safety or wellbeing, please contact our school safeguarding team using our dedicated safeguarding email address:

safeguarding@hullavington.wilts.sch.uk

We will listen to your concerns and offer advice or support where appropriate.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.

Useful websites and resources for parents

There are many excellent organisations offering free, practical advice to help families navigate online safety.

NSPCC – www.nspcc.org.uk
Advice on keeping children safe online, including parental controls, social media and online risks.

UK Safer Internet Centre – saferinternet.org.uk
Information, guides and resources for parents, carers and children.

Internet Matters – www.internetmatters.org
Practical advice, age-specific guides and step-by-step instructions for setting up parental controls.

Childnet – www.childnet.com
Resources to help children and families use the internet safely and positively.

CEOP Safety Centre – www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre
A place to report concerns about online sexual abuse, grooming or inappropriate sexual contact involving children.

Common Sense Media – www.commonsensemedia.org
Reviews and age guidance for popular apps, games, films and other digital content.

Working together to keep children safe

Online safety is not simply about restricting technology; it is about giving children the skills, confidence and understanding to use it wisely.

By maintaining open conversations, setting appropriate boundaries and working together, we can help our children become safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens.