Online Safety
For Parents/Carers
Set routines, talk often, check privacy
For students
Pause, block, report, tell
Report concerns
Talk to a trusted adult, DSL or use the Listening EAR
Useful links
Trusted support and guidance
What is meant by online safety?
Online safety means helping children and young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while understanding risks such as:
- cyberbullying, harassment or peer pressure
- inappropriate or harmful content
- contact from people they do not know offline
- sharing personal information, images or location
- online sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation or sextortion
- scams, phishing, malware and account security
- unhealthy screen time, sleep disruption and online wellbeing
If there is an immediate risk
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has communicated with a child online, make a report to CEOP. Students can also speak to Childline at any time if they need confidential support.
Advice for parents and carers
Talk early and often
- Ask your child what they enjoy online and who they interact with.
- Use calm, curious questions rather than blame; this makes it easier for them to ask for help.
- Agree what they should do if something online feels uncomfortable or unsafe.
Set boundaries together
- Create family rules for devices, gaming, messaging, screen time and bedtime charging.
- Check age ratings, privacy settings and in-app purchases.
- Review boundaries regularly as your child gets older.
Use safety tools
- Set parental controls on home broadband, devices, games consoles and apps.
- Keep accounts private where appropriate and turn off unnecessary location sharing.
- Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-step verification.
Know the warning signs
- Look out for sudden secrecy, distress after using a device, unexplained gifts or money, new contacts, or pressure to share images.
- Save evidence where safe to do so and seek advice before deleting potentially important messages.
Advice for students
|
Pause If something feels wrong, stop replying and take a breath. |
Screenshot Save evidence if it is safe to do so. Do not forward harmful images or messages. |
Block Use app tools to block or mute people who make you feel unsafe. |
|
Report Report harmful content in the app and to a trusted adult. |
Tell Speak to a parent/carer, teacher, DSL or use the Listening EAR |
Remember You are not in trouble for asking for help. Abuse is never your fault. |
When and how to report a concern
|
Concern |
What to do |
Where to get help |
|
Online sexual abuse, grooming or worrying communication |
Tell school safeguarding staff and report to CEOP. Call 999 if there is immediate danger. |
CEOP Safety Centre |
|
Bullying, threats or harmful content |
Block/mute, keep evidence, report in the app, tell school or a trusted adult. |
Report Harmful Content through Childline |
|
A nude or sexual image/video of someone under 18 online |
Do not share it. Use Report Remove or seek trusted adult support. |
Report Remove from Childline and IWF |
|
Scams, phishing or hacked accounts |
Change passwords, enable two-step verification, and seek cyber security advice. |
National Cyber Security Centre |
Support agencies and links
|
CEOP Education - Parents and carers Advice and resources for parents and carers, including conversation starters and guidance on online sexual abuse. |
CEOP Safety Centre For reporting online sexual abuse or worrying online communication with a child. |
|
UK Safer Internet Centre Online safety tips, advice, resources and links to helplines for children, young people, parents/carers and professionals. |
NSPCC Online Safety Practical advice for families, including conversations about online safety, AI, sending nudes and online wellbeing. |
|
Childline Online Safety Confidential advice and support for children and young people. Childline can also be contacted on 0800 1111. |
Internet Matters Age-based guides, app advice, checklists and parental-control guidance. |
|
Report Remove A confidential service from Childline and IWF to help under-18s report and remove sexual images or videos of themselves online. |
Report Harmful Content Advice and reporting routes for legal but harmful online content across multiple platforms. |
|
Internet Watch Foundation For reporting child sexual abuse material online. |
National Cyber Security Centre - You and your family Trusted UK cyber security guidance on passwords, devices, accounts and staying secure online. |
Still need help?
Students can speak to their form tutor, head of year, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or any trusted adult in school. Parents and carers can contact the school office and ask to speak to the safeguarding team. We will listen, take concerns seriously and help you find the right support.
