Keeping Our Children Safe Online
At St Mary’s, we recognise that our pupils are growing up in a world where technology is constantly evolving. The internet opens up exciting opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but we must also acknowledge the risks that come with it.
We are committed to helping children navigate the online world safely. Through our curriculum, we teach them:
The impact of cyberbullying and the importance of seeking help if they are affected.
Online awareness, ensuring they understand that not everyone they meet online is who they claim to be and to be cautious about what they share.
Seeking help from trusted adults when something online makes them feel uncomfortable or upset.
Thinking critically about information found on the internet, understanding that not everything they see online is reliable.
How We Keep Children Safe at School
At St Mary’s, we use RM Safetynet, an advanced filtering system that ensures safe internet use within school. This system allows us to:
✔ Filter content appropriately for different age groups, ensuring children only access suitable materials.
✔ Monitor and log search activity, preventing inappropriate content from being accessed.
✔ Block harmful websites and search terms before they reach children’s screens.
✔ Apply time-specific filters, allowing additional control over internet access during certain times of the day.
While we take great care to promote online safety in school, we know that much of children's internet use happens at home. To support families, we have compiled a list of useful resources to help parents and carers guide their children in becoming responsible and safe digital citizens:
Helpful Online Safety Resources for Parents
Thinkuknow - http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk - A programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command, offering practical advice and information for parents, carers, and children.
Internet Matters - https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/ - A comprehensive hub of advice and guidance on internet safety.
National Online Safety - https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/ - Up-to-date safety guides on social media apps and platforms children may be using.
NSPCC - http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/ - Share Aware – Advice to help parents understand how to keep children safe online.
Childnet - http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/ - A UK charity dedicated to making the internet a safe place for children.
CEOP - http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ - A resource for reporting concerns about online abuse or unsafe communication.
BBC - https://www.bbc.com/ownit - A website and app designed to support children in managing their online lives.
SafeToNet - https://safetonet.com/ - A safeguarding tool that helps children make safer online decisions in real time.
Online safety is a shared responsibility between school and home. By working together, we can ensure that children develop the skills, awareness, and confidence to explore the digital world safely.
For more information or guidance, please speak to a member of staff or explore the resources listed above.