Online Safety

At Lunsford Primary School, keeping children safe online is a key part of our safeguarding responsibilities. In today's digital world, children use technology regularly for learning, communication and entertainment, so it is essential that they understand how to stay safe and make responsible choices online.

Online Safety is embedded throughout our curriculum and is taught to all pupils in an age-appropriate way. We aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology safely, confidently and responsibly.

We also recognise the important role that parents and carers play in helping children navigate the online world. By working together, we can ensure that children receive consistent messages about staying safe online both at home and at school.

Need Help or Advice?

If you have any questions or concerns about online safety, please contact:

Mrs Lomax
Deputy Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Online Safety Lead

Alternatively, please speak to any member of staff who will be happy to help.

Supporting Children Online

While schools and parents can put safeguards in place, no internet filter or search engine is completely safe. Open conversations, guidance and education are the most effective ways to help children stay safe online.

We encourage parents and carers to:

Talk regularly with children about their online activities
Set clear expectations and boundaries for internet use
Monitor age ratings and privacy settings on apps and games
Encourage children to speak to a trusted adult if something worries them online
Model positive and responsible use of technology

Restricting access to technology altogether is rarely effective. Instead, helping children understand how to use technology safely and responsibly gives them the skills they need for life.

Reporting Online Concerns

If you are concerned about online abuse, exploitation or inappropriate online behaviour, you can report concerns directly to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command).

CEOP works with law enforcement and child protection agencies across the UK and internationally to protect children from online harm and bring offenders to justice.

If the concern relates to a pupil at Lunsford Primary School, please contact the school immediately so that we can provide support and take appropriate action.

Useful Online Safety Resources

General Online Safety

UK Safer Internet Centre – Practical guides, advice and parental controls
Childnet – Discussion starters and online safety guidance for families
Thinkuknow – Information about online abuse and exploitation
Get Safe Online – Advice on online security and digital safety
Internet Matters – Guides and parental control support
Parent Info – Expert articles and advice for parents and carers

Online Safety Guides for Parents

Resources available to download include:

Social Media and Communication Apps

Parents Guide to Instagram
Parents Guide to Snapchat
Parents Guide to Facebook
Parents Guide to WhatsApp
Young People and Social Networking
Mental Health and Social Media

Online Risks and Cyberbullying

Parents Guide to Cyberbullying
Online Reputation Checklist
Advice for Parents on Cyberbullying
Screen Addiction Guidance

Device Safety Guides

Top Tips for iPhone
Top Tips for iPad
Top Tips for Nintendo Devices
Top Tips for PlayStation (PS4 and PS Vita)
Top Tips for Xbox One and Xbox 360

Early Years Online Safety

Keeping Under Fives Safe Online
Early Years Online Safety Guide for Parents

General Technology Guidance

Parents and Carers Guide to Technology

Safer Search Engines for Children

No search engine can guarantee complete safety, but the following options are designed to provide a safer online experience for children.

Image Searching

Pics4Learning
Picsearch

Research and Learning

CBBC
NICE
Kids Yahoo

Parents can also enable Google SafeSearch to help filter explicit content from search results. Instructions are available in our downloadable Google SafeSearch guide.

Policies and Documents

Please see the following documents for further information:

Child Protection Policy
Online Safety Policy
Google SafeSearch Guide
Vodafone Digital Parenting Magazine
Online Reputation Checklist
Advice for Parents on Cyberbullying
Online Safety Resource Packs

If you require any policies, documents or resources in an alternative format or language, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

Working Together to Keep Children Safe

Online Safety is most effective when schools and families work together. By maintaining open communication, staying informed and encouraging positive online behaviour, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while staying safe in the digital world.