The internet is a fantastic tool for learning, staying in touch with friends, and exploring new ideas. But it’s important that children use it safely, responsibly, and respectfully. At our school, we teach children the skills they need to be responsible digital citizens, and your support at home is a key part of keeping them safe.

Key Online Safety Tips for Children

• Keep new online friends strictly online. If someone you don’t know asks to be your online friend, always tell an adult. Children should never share personal information with strangers.

• Use the CEOP Button. If a child is worried about someone’s online behaviour, they can report it safely to the CEOP Centre.

• Talk to a trusted adult. Children should always feel able to tell a teacher, parent, or another adult at school if something online makes them uncomfortable.

• Protect personal information. Remind children not to share full names, addresses, phone numbers, passwords, or school details online.

• Be kind and responsible online. Treat others with respect, and remember that what is shared online can be permanent.

• Recognise scams or inappropriate content. Encourage children to ignore, block, or report anything that seems unsafe, inappropriate, or untrue.

• Use safe passwords. Keep passwords private and encourage strong, unique ones for each account.

• Think before posting. Remind children that everything they share online can stay there forever, so they should post thoughtfully.

• Know how to block or report. Make sure children know how to block or report users on apps, games, and social media.

• Balance screen time. Encourage regular breaks and offline activities, hobbies, and physical play.

Tips for Parents

• Check which apps, games, and websites your child uses, and ensure age-appropriate settings.

• Use parental controls or device settings to limit inappropriate content.

• Have regular conversations with your child about online safety, online friendships, and the content they see.

• Encourage open communication—children are more likely to ask for help if they feel supported.

• Contact the school if you have concerns. If your child experiences anything online that worries them, or you are unsure how to handle a situation, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office. We are always ready to support you and your child.

Help and Reporting

If you or your child are worried about online safety, child exploitation, or online protection, you can access support safely via the CEOP reporting website.

Helpful Resources for Families

• Thinkuknow (CEOP Education) – Age‑appropriate advice for parents and children, with activities and guides by the National Crime Agency’s CEOP team. THSL

• CEOP Safety Centre – Report concerns safely about online behaviour that may put a child at risk. THSL

• UK Safer Internet Centre – Practical tips and advice for parents and carers, including checklists and conversation starters. THSL

• Internet Matters – Guidance on apps, gaming, parental controls and online behaviour for different age groups. Hucklow Primary School

• Parent Info – Expert‑led articles and tips for families about online safety topics. clavering.essex.sch.uk

Additional Support and Info

• Childnet – Parents & Carers Hub – Advice, conversation starters and toolkits designed to help families discuss online safety. Healthy Schools

• NSPCC & O2 – Net Aware – Reviews of popular apps and games with safety advice for parents. esscp.org.uk

• Parent Zone – Specialist information and guides to help parents understand current online trends and risks. clavering.essex.sch.uk

• Childnet Parent & Carer Toolkit – A downloadable toolkit to support conversations and build good online habits at home. clavering.essex.sch.uk

• BBC Online Safety – Practical tips on device use, social media, games and more. Hucklow Primary School

• Think You Know
  Age 5 - 7

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  Age 8 - 10

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  Age 11 - 13