The internet is an amazing resource and it is used frequently in school to support children’s learning. Increasingly younger children access the internet at home and are choosing to spend more time online. It enables children to connect, communicate, learn, play and be creative on a wide range of devices.  However, the internet is always changing and there are some risks to going online. Being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge, but you don’t need to be an expert to help keep your child safe online. On this page, we have shared a range of resources and links that you can use to support your child to use the internet safely and responsibly.

The school, parents and carers all play a key role in keeping children safe online. Our Willow Lane Curriculum ensures that all children in Year 1 to Year 6 study units that focus on Online Safety. These cover areas such as online relationships and bullying; privacy and security; managing online information; and self-image and identity. The school has robust internet filtering systems and expert technical to support us in ensuring the children are safe when accessing the internet in school. We also aim to work together with parents and carers by sharing up-to-date information, resources and top-tips through workshops, letters, Facebook and our website. For further information, see our Online Safety, Behaviour, Anti-Bullying, and Safeguarding policies (on the Policy section of our school website).

Set-up parental controls: These are tools you can use to help manage your child’s online activity. See the internet matters link below for helpful guides on parental controls.

Supervise their online activity: Primary age children should not access the internet without supervision. Keep children’s use of online devices in shared family areas.

Check in with your child: Have quick chats with your child about the games and apps they are using each week. Ask them if anything ever worries them online.

Make sure they know where to go for help: Remind your child they can always speak to you or another adult they trust if anything worries them online. Make sure they know they won’t be in trouble and can get help by talking to you.

Talk about how to be positive on the internet: Remind your child to think how someone else might feel before they post or share something online.

Use ‘SafeSearch’: Try using Safe Search Kids or another safe search engine. Most search engines have a safe search settings that can be activated in the settings (often a small cog icon).