Online Safety at Wyburns Primary School

At Wyburns Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that our pupils stay safe online. All computers and email systems within the school network are monitored to help protect children from harmful content, and our internet connection is filtered and safeguarded using the most up-to-date technologies. This ensures that pupils have quality access to the internet to enhance their learning while staying safe.

We have a comprehensive Online Safety Policy and Acceptable Use Policies for both staff and pupils, which are available to view on our School Policies page.

We understand how important it is to keep children safe when they are using the internet. That’s why we encourage families to explore resources and advice to help ensure safety online. Internet Matters is an excellent website, offering tips and guidance for keeping your family safe when using the web.

Online Safety Checklist for Early Years (EYFS)

More and more preschool-aged children are using devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets to play games, watch videos, and explore the internet. Here are a few simple steps to help keep your child safe:

• Explore together: Introduce your child to the internet by exploring it together. Show them the fun and educational things they can do online, and make it a learning experience.

• Put yourself in control: Set up parental controls on your broadband and devices. This helps you manage the content your child can access and who they can interact with online.

• Use passwords: Keep devices out of reach and set strong passwords on your devices to monitor and control when and how your child is using the internet.

• Search safely: Use child-friendly search engines like Swiggle or Kids-search. You can also activate safe search settings on Google, YouTube, and other platforms.

Online Safety Checklist for Primary School Aged Children

As children begin to explore digital technology more independently, it’s essential to set boundaries and stay involved in their online activities. Here are some tips to ensure they use the internet safely:

• Agree on boundaries: Be clear about where your child can use the internet, what sites they can visit, and how much time they can spend online. Set guidelines for when they can have a mobile phone or tablet.

• Explore together: Ask your child about the websites they visit and encourage them to show you what they’re doing online. Discuss the importance of being kind and respectful to others online.

• Put yourself in control: Install parental controls on your broadband and set up a child user account for devices they use. Keep other accounts password-protected to prevent younger children from accessing inappropriate content.

• Use airplane mode: When your child is using a device, switch it to airplane mode to prevent accidental purchases or online interactions.

• Stay involved: Encourage your child to use devices in communal areas, such as the lounge or kitchen, where you can supervise their internet use and share in their enjoyment.

• Talk to siblings: If you have older children, encourage them to be responsible online and help keep their younger siblings safe.

• Search safely: As with younger children, use child-safe search engines like Swiggle or Kids-search, and activate safe search filters on platforms like Google and YouTube.

• Check suitability: Always check the age ratings for apps, games, films, and social networks. Be aware of age limits for social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, which require users to be at least 13 years old.

By setting clear guidelines and staying involved in your child’s digital world, you can help them make positive choices and enjoy the internet safely.

Great websites with key information can be found below:

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

https://www.childnet.com/

https://www.internetmatters.org/

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/

https://parentinfo.org/

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/

https://www.lgfl.net/online-safety/resource-centre?s=16

A great website to check how safe the apps are that the children are using. Click the link and search the app! 

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/

https://www.policedsc.com/security-advice/safeguarding