Online Safety
The internet has transformed the way we live, work, and learn and this is especially true for our children. At Bryn Offa, we actively encourage the safe and sensible use of digital and online technologies, recognising the powerful learning opportunities they can offer. From researching new topics to staying in touch with friends, the internet plays a significant role in our children's lives. However, with these opportunities come important responsibilities.
As parents and carers, it’s vital to be aware of how your child is using technology and to support them in using it safely and responsibly. Below, you’ll find a range of helpful information and resources about how we promote e-safety at school and how you can support it at home.
Children’s Online Safety Learning
Every year, our staff work alongside the children to teach them how to stay safe online. We build this into our computing and PSHE curriculum and also seek opportunities to enrich this through visits from Online Safety experts, such as former police officers who have worked in online investigation teams.
Acceptable Use Agreements
To help everyone in our school community use technology safely and respectfully, we ask all children, staff, and volunteers to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. This outlines our expectations for online behaviour and responsible technology use, including:
- Flag it – telling a trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or upset.
- Block it – not responding to unkind messages, avoiding suspicious links or attachments, and understanding how to protect devices from viruses and malware.
- Zip it – keeping personal information private and understanding the risks of sharing details like photos or contact information online.
- Using digital platforms in a way that reflects the same kindness, respect and responsibility we expect on the playground and in the classroom.
We want our children to be confident, responsible digital citizens who can navigate the online world safely and your support at home is key to making that happen.
/docs/Online_Safety/ICT_and_Internet_Acceptable_Use_Policy_Autumn_2024.pdf
Online Risks and How to Keep Your Child Safe
At Bryn Offa CE Primary School, we know that the internet offers many exciting opportunities for children to learn, explore and connect but it also brings risks that can affect their wellbeing. Helping children to navigate these safely is something we work hard on in school, and we want to support you to do the same at home.
The ‘Thinkuknow’ website is a great resource for parents and carers. It offers clear, age-appropriate information about online safety and the possible risks your child may face, such as:
- Cyberbullying
- Online grooming
- Inappropriate or harmful websites
- Losing control over pictures and video
- Viruses, hacking and security breaches
You can explore their website via the link below and use it as a springboard for helpful conversations with your child.
Thinkuknow Website
What You Can Do to Help at Home
As a parent or carer, it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of your child’s digital life but your support is one of the most powerful tools in keeping them safe. Here are some practical ways you can help:
- Talk regularly about what your child is doing online: the websites they visit, the games they play, and who they talk to.
- Watch videos together from the 'Thinkuknow' website and use them as conversation starters.
- Ask your child to teach you how to do something online, this helps build trust and keeps communication open.
- Agree family rules about internet and phone use at home setting clear, calm boundaries make expectations easier to follow.
- Keep devices in shared spaces rather than bedrooms, so you can be aware of how and when your child is online.
If Your Child Shares a Concern
If your child ever tells you something worrying about their online experience, stay calm. Your first role is to listen without judgment, reassure them, and offer support.
- Let them talk freely in a quiet, safe space.
- Thank them for telling you and explain they did the right thing.
- Try to find out what happened, how they’re feeling, and whether they’ve had any previous worries.
You may find that once they’ve spoken to you, their concerns are more manageable—or you may feel that further support is needed. Either way, keeping that line of communication open is the most important thing.
Helpful Tips We Share with Our Pupils
We also encourage families to:
- Avoid denying access to technology this can make children fearful of telling you about problems online.
- Explore tools together that allow your child to block or report inappropriate content or users.
- Save any evidence of inappropriate messages or behaviour to support reporting.
- Don't reply to hurtful or bullying messages—instead, report it to a trusted adult or platform moderator.
At Bryn Offa, we’re committed to working in partnership with families to keep every child safe, confident, and kind online. If you ever have concerns or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Links to helpful websites:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ https://www.familylives.org.uk/
Online Safety Tips: