The internet is full of wonderful resources for children to research and learn about the things that interest them and is an essential tool for today’s children and adults. We very much encourage independence at Radipole Primary School; however, there are also potential risks involved in its use, so it is imperative that we teach our children how to behave safely and responsibly when online.

At Radipole Primary School, all of our children receive an online safety education at an appropriate level in each year, teaching them how to use the internet safely and what to do if they are worried about something that has happened while they are using it.  We keep online safety in mind every time children are using the internet, and it is brought into particular focus in the Spring Term when each child participates in a variety of lessons about how to stay safe online.

The school regularly advise parents about how to keep their children safe online on the school blog and the school's Facebook page. If you have any concerns about keeping your child safe online, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Below are also some links to websites which help to promote safe use of the internet in a fun and engaging way.

Online Safety – What is taught in each year

The school computing scheme of work covers online safety as a topic in its own right but it is also woven into other areas of the curriculum.

Online Safety – Helping your child stay safe

The best way to help your child to be a safe when using the internet and new technologies is to talk to them and make sure they understand these simple rules:

You should never give out personal details to online ‘friends’. Use a nickname when logging on and don’t share full name, email address, mobile number, school name and any photos, including photos of family or friends – any picture or video online can be changed or shared without permission.

Talk to your child about what they are doing online and who they are talking to. Get them to show you how to use things you are not familiar with. Keeping the computer in a family room means that you can share your child’s online experience, they are less likely to act inappropriately (i.e. via webcam) and their online ‘friends’ will see they are in a family room.

If your child receives a message that upsets them, remind them not to reply, they should save the message and show you or another trusted adult.

Spam and junk emails and texts are not true, don’t reply or send them to anyone else, just delete them.

Don’t open files sent from people you don’t know. They could contain a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or film.

An online ‘friend’ is anyone you have not met in real life; no matter how long you have been friends with them.

Help your child to understand that some people lie online and that it’s better to keep online ‘mates’ online. They should never meet up with any online ’friends’ without an adult they trust.

Make sure they know how to block someone online and report them if they feel uncomfortable.

Make sure your child feels able to talk to you, let them know that it’s never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable. Don’t blame your child, let then know you trust them.