Online Safety

Online safety is an important part of keeping children safe at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School. Children are growing up in a world where technology is part of everyday life. It can support learning, creativity, communication and independence, but it also brings risks which children need help to understand and manage.

At school, we use appropriate filtering and monitoring systems to help protect pupils from illegal, harmful or unsuitable online content. These systems are monitored and reviewed so that they remain effective as technology changes. Online safety is also taught through our curriculum, including Computing, PSHE, Relationships Education and wider safeguarding work. Pupils are taught how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

Online safety now includes more than websites and search engines. Children may use games, messaging apps, video platforms, livestreaming, social media and artificial intelligence tools. They may also come across risks such as cyberbullying, scams, harmful content, fake images, deepfakes, misinformation, online grooming, pressure to share images and the unsafe use of personal information.

We know that school and home must work together. Children are safest when they hear the same clear messages from the adults around them. We encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about what they do online, who they speak to, what they watch, what they share and where they can go for help.

Online Safety At Home

The internet is an important part of children’s lives. They use it to learn, play, create, socialise and explore the world. Used well, it can be a brilliant tool. Used without guidance, it can expose children to risks they may not yet be mature enough to manage.

Parents and carers can support their children by having regular, calm conversations about online life. These conversations work best when they are open and curious rather than only happening when something has gone wrong.

You may wish to ask your child:

What apps, games or websites do you enjoy using?

Who do you speak to online?

What would you do if someone made you feel uncomfortable online?

Do you know how to block or report someone?

What information should never be shared online?

How do you know if something online is true?

Have you seen anything online that worried or upset you?

Do you know what artificial intelligence tools are and how they should be used safely?

Parents and carers should also check privacy settings, age ratings, parental controls and screen time settings on devices, apps and games. It is also important to remind children that they should not share personal information, images, school details, passwords or location information online.

Artificial Intelligence and Online Safety

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, including search engines, apps, image tools, homework support tools and chatbots. AI can be helpful, but children need to understand that it is not always accurate, neutral or safe.

At St Anthony’s, pupils are taught that AI should be used carefully and honestly. Children should understand that:

AI can produce information that is incorrect or misleading.

AI generated images, videos or voices can be fake but look real.

Children should not enter personal information about themselves or others into AI tools.

AI should not be used to bully, impersonate, trick or embarrass others.

AI tools may have age restrictions and should only be used with adult guidance.

AI should support learning, not replace thinking.

In school, any use of AI must be age appropriate, supervised and in line with safeguarding, data protection and school policy.

Online Safety At School

As part of our curriculum, pupils are taught how to use technology safely and responsibly. They learn about respectful online behaviour, privacy, reporting concerns, reliable information, healthy online habits and the impact their online actions can have on others.

Children access the internet in school through supervised learning activities. Our internet access is filtered to restrict access to inappropriate content, and monitoring systems help identify concerns where necessary. Staff are expected to report online safety concerns in line with our safeguarding procedures.

At the start of the school year, classes revisit expectations for safe and responsible technology use. These messages are reinforced throughout the year through lessons, assemblies, safeguarding work and national events such as Safer Internet Day.

Useful Online Safety Resources

The following websites provide helpful advice for parents and carers:

CEOP Education
Advice and reporting support for children, families and professionals where there are concerns about online sexual abuse or unsafe online contact.

Childnet
Advice for children, parents, carers and schools on a wide range of online safety issues.

Internet Matters
Practical guides on parental controls, gaming, social media, cyberbullying, screen time, artificial intelligence and online wellbeing.

NSPCC Online Safety
Guidance for parents and carers on keeping children safe online, including age appropriate advice.

UK Safer Internet Centre
Resources for parents, carers, children and schools, including materials linked to Safer Internet Day.

Parent Zone
Support for families navigating digital life, including practical advice about children’s online experiences.

Final note for parents

The most effective way to keep children safe online is not to ban every device and hope they emerge at eighteen as fully formed digital monks. It is to talk often, set clear boundaries, check settings, stay involved and make sure children know they can come to a trusted adult if something goes wrong.