Online Safety & Digital Wellbeing
The online world is an important part of young people’s lives – helping them learn, connect and be creative. At the same time, it can present risks. As a school, we work in partnership with families to support students to use technology safely, responsibly and positively.
Online & Social Media Safety
Our approach focuses on both safety and education, helping students develop the knowledge and behaviours they need to stay safe online.
- Online safety is taught through the curriculum and wider school life
- We use filtering and monitoring systems on school devices
- We have clear procedures to identify, report and respond to concerns
- Students are taught how to seek help and report issues
- We identify and support pupils who may be more vulnerable online
We also teach students about the four key online risks:
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Content | Harmful or inappropriate material |
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Contact | Risky interactions with others |
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Conduct | Unsafe behaviour |
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Commerce | Scams and financial risks |
what parents & carers can do
Talk regularly
- Keep conversations open and non-judgemental
- Encourage your child to share worries
- Take an interest in what they enjoy online
Set boundaries together
- Agree screen time and device use
- Keep devices in shared spaces where possible
- Use age ratings to guide content
Use safety tools
- Set up parental controls
- Use privacy settings
- Check apps and platforms your child uses
Support digital wellbeing
- Encourage a healthy balance of online/offline activities
- Watch for changes in mood, sleep or behaviour
reporting concerns & getting help
- Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult
- Contact the school if you have concerns
- Report serious concerns to CEOP
- In an emergency, call 999
Helpful websites & resources
Core guidance
Practical tools
- https://www.internetmatters.org
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
SEND-specific support
- NSPCC SEND online safety advice (via main NSPCC site above)
- https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/needs/ (tailored advice for different needs)
Local authority guidance
SEND - Additional guidance for parents & carers
Some children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may be more vulnerable online. They may:
- Be more trusting of others or find it harder to recognise risk
- Struggle with understanding social cues or intent
- Be more likely to experience online bullying or exploitation
- Find it harder to manage screen time or emotional responses
Our school adapts online safety education to meet individual needs, recognising that a“one size fits all” approach is not appropriate
Use clear, simple rules
- Create straightforward, visual or written rules for online behaviour
- Repeat and revisit messages regularly
Practise scenarios together
- Talk through “what would you do if…” situations
- Role-play how to respond to messages, requests or pressure
Check understanding
- Ask your child to explain things back to you
- Don’t assume understanding of complex ideas like “stranger danger” online
Increase supervision where needed
- Stay nearby when your child is online
- Regularly review apps, messages and contacts together
Teach safe routines
- Not sharing personal information (name, school, location)
- Only communicating with people they know in real life
Use specialist support and settings
- Explore accessibility features, parental controls and filters
- Use platforms with stronger moderation where possible
Build confidence to report
- Reassure your child they will not be in trouble
- Make sure they know who to go to at home and at school
The NSPCC highlights the importance of adapting online safety approaches and providing extra support for children with additional needs.
Working Together
Online safety works best when school and home work together. By keeping communication open and using the right support, we can help all young people – including those with additional needs to:
- Stay safe
- Build confidence
- Develop healthy digital habits
If you would like further advice or support, please contact the school safeguarding team at dsl@warlinghamtlt.co.uk