Online Safety

Working Together to Keep Children Safe Online

At St Matthew's, we are committed to helping your child navigate the digital world safely and confidently. The internet is an incredible tool for learning, creativity and connection, but it also presents risks such as inappropriate content, online bullying, and contact from strangers. Together, we can teach children how to use technology responsibly and stay safe online.

What We Teach at School

Through our Computing and PSHE curriculum, children learn about:

• Online reputation – understanding what is safe to share and how to manage their digital footprint.

• Cyberbullying – recognising harmful behaviour and knowing how to respond.

• Safe searching – using child-friendly search engines and checking for reliable information.

• Age-appropriate use – understanding the risks of apps, games, and social media.

• Privacy – keeping passwords and personal information secure.

• Online relationships – how to communicate respectfully and stay safe from online grooming.

How You Can Help at Home

We encourage parents and carers to:

• Set clear rules for screen time and device use.

• Use parental controls on home broadband, devices, and apps (e.g. YouTube Kids, Netflix profiles).

• Talk regularly with your child about what they see and do online. Keep the conversation open and non-judgemental.

• Keep devices in shared family spaces where online activity is visible.

• Know the apps and games your child uses, and check the PEGI age ratings.

• Model good habits - children learn by watching how adults use their phones and online platforms.

  
  

⚠️ Remember: Most popular social media platforms have a minimum age of 13, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

Helpful Tools & Links

• ThinkUKnow by CEOP – Expert advice and videos by age group.

• Internet Matters – Parental controls, guides, and advice for every stage.

• National Online Safety – Downloadable guides on games, apps, and platforms.

• NSPCC Keeping Children Safe Online – Tips on talking about online safety and setting boundaries.

• Childline Report/ Remove - A new Report Remove tool whereby children, young people and adults can report nude images of them that are circulating social media and ensure they are taken down.

• UK Safer Internet Centre – Practical tips, activities and reporting tools.

  
  

Here are some conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com for you to engage with your children regarding their use of the internet whilst at home:

1. Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.

2. Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?

3. Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.

4. Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.

5. Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online

   
   

Report a Concern

If you are worried about something your child has seen online or someone they are talking to, please:

1. Talk to your child calmly.

2. Collect any screenshots or messages if possible.

3. Report it to school via our safeguarding lead.

4. Report abuse or exploitation directly at CEOP.