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Appleshaw St Peter's CofE Primary School

Online-Safety

At Appleshaw St Peter’s, we recognise that the internet is a vast library, a social club, and a classroom. While we embrace the opportunities of the digital world through our KAPOW Computing Curriculum, we are committed to ensuring our pupils are "Safe, Respectful, and Resilient" online.

The digital landscape changes faster than any curriculum. We encourage parents to be aware of these current trends:

  • AI & Deepfakes: Understanding that images, videos, and voices can easily be generated or manipulated.

  • In-Game Spending: The prevalence of "loot boxes," in-app purchases, and "dark patterns" in popular games like Roblox and Minecraft.

  • The "Group Chat" Dynamic: Many peer issues originate in WhatsApp or group messaging apps outside of school hours. We recommend monitoring your child’s device and setting clear ground rules together.

Recommended Resources for Families

We recommend these core resources to help manage devices and set up home networks safely:

  • Internet Matters: Step-by-step guides for setting parental controls across smartphones, consoles, and streaming apps. https://www.internetmatters.org/

  • Common Sense Media: Independent reviews of games, films, and apps to help determine if content is age-appropriate. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

  • NSPCC - Online Safety: Practical advice on discussing tricky topics like cyberbullying, online grooming, and healthy screen habits. https://www.nspcc.org.u]

Reporting Concerns

If you are worried about something your child has seen or experienced online, please take the following steps:

  1. Report to School: Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Sarah Dabill, via the school office.

  2. Report to the Platform: Use the in-app "Report" or "Block" features (on YouTube, TikTok, games, etc.).

  3. Report Serious Harms: For concerns regarding sexual harassment, exploitation, or illegal content, contact CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) at www.ceop.police.uk.

Guidance from the Children's Commissioner

The Children's Commissioner highlights the "Digital 5 A Day" framework to help families balance screen time with overall well-being:

  • Connect: Maintain open conversations about what your child does online.

  • Be Active: Ensure screen time doesn't replace physical play and outdoor activity.

  • Take Notice: Encourage breaks and keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.

  • Learn: Explore new games, creative tools, and educational sites together.

  • Stay Aware: Use safety settings, keep passwords private, and know where to get help.

parent guide on managing children s digital lives.pdf

 

online safety policy 2026.pdf

 

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