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Online Safety
Online Safety at Byron Primary School
Keeping Children Safe Online
At Byron Primary School, online safety is an essential part of safeguarding and personal development. Technology provides children with valuable opportunities to learn, communicate, create and explore, but it is important that they also understand how to use it safely, responsibly and respectfully.
We work in partnership with pupils, parents, carers and external professionals to help children develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to stay safe online.
Our aim is for every child to know how to:
- Use technology safely and responsibly.
- Protect personal information and passwords.
- Communicate respectfully with others.
- Recognise online risks and unsafe situations.
- Think critically about information they find online.
- Report concerns and seek help when something does not feel right.
- Make positive choices both online and offline.
Our values of Respect, Aspire and Succeed apply online as well as in school.
Online Safety at Byron
Online safety is taught progressively through our safeguarding and personal development programme. It is reinforced through:
- PSHE lessons.
- The Story Project.
- Whole-school assemblies.
- Classroom discussions and follow-up activities.
- Online Safety Week.
- Safer Internet Day.
- Computing lessons.
- External visitors and workshops.
- Timely teaching in response to emerging risks.
Children learn about:
- Keeping personal information private.
- Safe and respectful online communication.
- Cyberbullying and how to report concerns.
- Online friendships and relationships.
- Gaming and social media safety.
- Digital footprints and online reputation.
- Fake news and misinformation.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Identifying trusted adults and seeking help.
- Using mobile phones and technology responsibly.
We teach children that if something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe, they should stop what they are doing and speak to a trusted adult immediately.
Learning From Experts
Online safety is strengthened through visits and workshops delivered by external professionals throughout the year.
Children benefit from sessions delivered by organisations such as West Yorkshire Police, who provide age-appropriate workshops on:
- Cyberbullying.
- Phone and online safety.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Safe use of technology.
- Responsible online communication.
- Recognising risk and seeking help.
We also take part in:
- Safer Internet Day.
- Online Safety Week.
- Assembly programmes linked to online safety.
- Classroom discussions and follow-up activities.
These experiences help ensure that pupils receive up-to-date advice and understand how to stay safe in an ever-changing digital world.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online.
We encourage families to:
- Talk regularly with children about their online activities.
- Know which apps, games and websites their children use.
- Check age ratings before allowing access to games and social media.
- Use parental controls where appropriate.
- Encourage devices to be used in family areas where possible.
- Talk about respectful communication online.
- Remind children never to share personal information, passwords or photographs.
- Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if they are worried about anything they see online.
Regular, open conversations are one of the best ways to keep children safe.
What Should I Do If My Child Is Worried About Something Online?
If your child sees or experiences something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, upset or unsafe:
- Stay calm and listen carefully.
- Reassure your child that they have done the right thing by telling you.
- Save any evidence where appropriate.
- Block or report the user or content.
- Contact the school if further support is needed.
- Report serious concerns using the organisations listed below.
If a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Useful Websites for Parents and Carers
Internet Matters
Practical advice about apps, games, parental controls, screen time and online risks.
https://www.internetmatters.org/
NSPCC Online Safety
Guidance on social media, gaming, online risks and keeping children safe online.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Childnet
Resources and guidance for children, parents and schools on staying safe online.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Advice, guidance and resources to support children and families online.
Report Harmful Content
Support and advice on reporting harmful online content.
https://reportharmfulcontent.com/
Useful Websites for Children
Childline
Free advice and support for children and young people.
Telephone: 0800 1111
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
If you are worried about online exploitation, grooming or inappropriate online contact, you can make a report directly to CEOP.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
ThinkUKnow
Games, videos and activities that help children learn how to stay safe online.
Online Safety and Our School Values
Respect
We teach children to:
- Be kind and respectful online.
- Think about how their actions affect others.
- Respect privacy and personal information.
- Challenge bullying and report concerns.
Aspire
We encourage children to:
- Use technology positively for learning and creativity.
- Make responsible choices online.
- Develop confidence in using digital technology safely.
Succeed
We help children to:
- Recognise and manage online risks.
- Know when and how to seek help.
- Use technology safely and purposefully.
- Develop the skills needed to become responsible digital citizens.
Working Together
At Byron Primary School, we believe that keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility between school, families and the wider community.
By working together and reinforcing our values of Respect, Aspire and Succeed, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while developing the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to stay safe online.
