Online Safety
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Children have the right to enjoy childhood online, to access safe online spaces, and to benefit from all the opportunities that a connected world can bring to them, appropriate to their age and stage. As they grow older, it is crucial that they learn to balance the benefits offered by technology with a critical awareness of their own and other’s online behaviour and develop effective strategies for staying safe and making a positive contribution online.
“Growing up has never been easy, but today the virtual world presents a whole set of new risks. Young people live in an always-on, social, digital and connected world, and it’s the only world they’ve ever known. While the internet brings amazing opportunities for young people to learn, create and socialise, it is our duty to help them navigate this online world safely. Young people must recognise that every click, every post, every purchase and every photo we upload leaves a digital footprint.”
UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security
Online safety is an important part of keeping children safe at our school. We have extensive security measures in place in school, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material, any online safety incidents are recorded and managed and online safety is taught to all pupils explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online.
At Bollin Primary School we are totally committed to safeguarding children and to a culture of vigilance. Safeguarding is core to our work, not an ‘add-on’ and online safety is an important part of keeping children safe.
Online Safety at Bollin Primary School is overseen by Elizabeth Robinson, our Safeguarding Governor.
Online Safety Curriculum
Our Online Safety Curriculum Framework aims to equip children with the skills, knowledge and values they will need as they grow up and enter an ever-changing, increasingly digital society. Today, the importance of teaching our children from a young age to be digitally literate cannot be overstated.
In 2018, the UK government released Education For A Connected World. This curriculum framework provides guidance on supporting children and young people to navigate the digital world safely.
It specifically focuses on:
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Self-image and identity
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Online relationships
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Online reputation
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Online bullying
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Managing online information
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Health, wellbeing and lifestyle
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Privacy and security
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Copyright and ownership
In each area, it describes the skills and understanding children and young people should have the opportunity to develop at different ages and stages.
These 8 areas of online safety fall under one of the three Computing Strands, Digital Literacy.
At Bollin Primary School online safety is delivered through both the Hearts and Minds Framework (PSHE curriculum) AND the Computing Curriculum.
1. Hearts and Mind Framework
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Teaching component
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Feel Good Friday – Safer Internet Day (annually)
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Digital Leaders (to follow)
2. Computing Curriculum
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Certain online safety objectives are taught within Computing lessons
The Online Safety Skills Progression details all the statements by year group for each of the 8 areas.
Where a statement has been highlighted in YELLOW, it has been accounted for within Hearts and Minds Curriculum.
Where a statement has been highlighted in BLUE, it is covered discretely within the Computing Framework.
Documents
Expanders
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Online Safety at Home
We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the online safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online.
Online safety is just important within the home as well as in school and this page aims to provide useful guidance to parents and signposts to relevant websites. Please let us know if you come across other useful sites so that we can continue to develop the information we provide to support parents.
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Pre School (0-5 years)
More and more pre-schoolers are using their parents’ computers, smartphones or tablets to play games, use apps, and watch their favourite TV shows. There are simple things you can do to make sure they’re using the internet safely. Follow this link: https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/0-5/
Digiduck’s Big decision is a story has been created to help parents teach children aged 3-7 years of age how to be a good friend online. It’s a great way to start the conversation about what they should expect from the online world and how to stay safe. The story can be accessed at: https://www.childnet.com/resources/digiduck-stories/digiducks-big-decision/
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What to do if I am concerned?
Childnet is an organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and the safe and positive use of the internet are addressed. It has lots of useful advice for parents: https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/
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Other useful links
nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety – The NSPCC have teamed up with O2 to help keep children safe when they’re using the internet, social networks, apps, games and more.
www.saferinternet.org.uk – Here you will find even more e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk – The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre has set up its own website which has been designed and written specifically for children, young people, teachers, parents and carers.
www.bullying.co.uk – One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on cyberbullying.
www.internetmatters.org – Lots of guidance and articles for parents about keeping their children safe online.
UK Safer Internet Centre – Parents & Carers
A comprehensive hub with advice, guides to devices, social media safety settings and conversation starters for families.
🔗 https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers [saferinternet.org.uk]NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online
High-quality guidance covering parental controls, online wellbeing, risks such as grooming and cyberbullying, and how to talk to children about staying safe.
🔗 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ [nspcc.org.uk]Online Safety UK – Parent Zone
Step‑by‑step guides for apps, games and devices (e.g., TikTok, Roblox, Discord, PlayStation, iPhone setup), plus weekly updates and downloadable parental control guides.
🔗 https://www.onlinesafetyuk.com/ [onlinesafetyuk.com]Barnardo’s – Keeping Children Safe Online
Expert guidance on understanding risks, starting conversations, supporting children’s wellbeing online and navigating fast‑changing technologies.
🔗 https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/keeping-children-safe-online [barnardos.org.uk]Children’s Commissioner for England – Online Safety Guidance
A parent guide informed by children’s real online experiences, offering practical tips on screen time, AI, negative content, and how to set boundaries.
🔗 https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/news-and-blogs/press-notice-children-say-parents-in-the-dark-about-online-experiences-as-childrens-commissioner-launches-new-guide-on-online-safety/ -
Advice for Parents with children aged 6-10 years
Early use of digital technology has been shown to improve language skills and promote children’s social development and creativity. But it’s not without risks for young children, who may come across inappropriate content or begin to copy what older children do online. Follow this link: https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/6-10/
Download the Internet Matters Parents Guide Age 6-10 here...
Online safety tips for parents of primary school children - 6-10 Year Olds
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Advice for Parents with children aged 11-13 years
As children between the ages of 11 and 13 make the transition to a more independent stage with the move to secondary school, they become more confident internet users with more varied habits. Internet use can be hugely positive for children, but it’s vital to continue discussing online safety with them. Follow this link: https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/11-13/
Download the Internet Matters Parents Guide Age 11-13 here...
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Useful Guides for Parents
Here is a collection of documents that we have found useful: