Internet and Online Safety

The internet and digital technology are a growing part of children’s lives – offering huge opportunities for learning, creativity, connection, and entertainment. However, we also know that there are risks associated with online use. At our school, online safety education is a priority: we support and teach children how to stay safe online, use technology responsibly, and understand what to do if something worries them.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding online safety, please contact us – we are here to help.

What we teach children

Children are taught age-appropriate online safety skills throughout the year, including:

  • Keeping personal information private, such as full name, address, passwords, school name, and photos
  • Being kind, respectful, and responsible online, knowing that their words and actions matter
  • Recognising risks, such as unsafe content, inappropriate contact, and worrying behaviour
  • What to do if something online makes them feel uncomfortable, scared, or unsure
  • Telling a trusted adult straight away if something doesn’t feel right – at school or at home

We encourage children to speak up and reassure them that they will be listened to and supported.

Reporting online safety concerns

If you believe your child has experienced an online safety issue, inappropriate online behaviour, or harm through technology, please let us know so that we can help and take appropriate action.

You can contact our online safety / safeguarding team by:

  • Emailing the academy: info@highfieldspa.org.uk
  • Speaking directly to your child’s class teacher or a member of the safeguarding team
  • If preferred, you can arrange to speak in person or over the phone: 01302 651037

We take all reports seriously and will work to resolve concerns sensitively and quickly.

Spotting the signs of online worries

Children do not always tell adults when something online has upset them. Some signs you might notice include:

  • Sudden avoidance of devices or reluctance to go online
  • Appearing anxious, jumpy, or uneasy when using technology
  • Becoming unusually secretive about their online activity
  • Changes in mood, such as withdrawal, anger, sadness or distress
  • Behaviour changes like disrupted sleep or avoiding usual activities
  • Reluctance to discuss what they do online

If you notice these behaviours, it’s important to talk with your child and let the school know so we can help support them.

School systems and education

While the school has filtering and monitoring systems in place to reduce access to harmful content and help protect pupils on school networks and devices, these tools are not enough on their own. Education, awareness, and open communication are key to helping children make safe online choices.

We encourage regular conversations between school and home about online experiences, as this helps children learn to recognise risk and behave safely, both in and out of school.

Working with parents and carers

Keeping children safe online works best when the school and home work together. We encourage parents and carers to:

  • Talk regularly with children about the websites, apps, and games they use
  • Set clear boundaries around screen time, apps, and responsible use
  • Ask questions about their child’s online interactions and friendships
  • Encourage children to tell you or a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable online
  • Stay informed about popular apps and platforms children use

If you would like support, advice, or resources to help talk to your child about online safety, please contact the school.