Online Safety
At St Michael’s, we are committed to keeping our pupils safe online both in and out of school. This page provides guidance, resources, and support for parents and carers to help children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
What is Online Safety?
Online safety refers to the safe and responsible use of technology, including the internet, social media, and mobile devices. It involves protecting children from online risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online exploitation.
How we teach Online in school
- Online safety is embedded in our computing and PSHE curriculum.
- Pupils learn about online privacy, digital footprints, and how to report concerns.
- We promote Safer Internet Day each year with themed activities and assemblies.
How You can help at home
- Talk regularly with your child about their online activity.
- Set boundaries around screen time and device use.
- Use parental controls on devices and home internet.
- Encourage open communication so your child feels comfortable reporting anything that makes them feel unsafe.
Online Apps
As part of our commitment to online safety, we encourage parents and carers to be aware of the age ratings for popular social media and communication apps. These ratings are in place to help protect children from inappropriate content and interactions.
We advise parents to regularly check the apps their children are using and ensure they are age-appropriate. Open conversations about online behaviour and privacy settings can help children make safer choices online.
Useful Websites For Parents, Carers And Children
For parents and carers, the following websites provide relevant and useful information about Internet Safety:
CEOP Education
The CEOP Education website, part of the National Crime Agency, provides essential guidance for parents and carers on keeping children safe from online harm. It offers practical advice on a range of topics and how to have open conversations with children about their digital lives. The site includes video guides, conversation starters, and links to further support, including how to report concerns directly to CEOP or the police. It’s a trusted resource for families navigating online safety challenges.
CEOP Safety Centre
The CEOP Safety Centre is a vital online resource provided by the National Crime Agency. It allows parents, carers, and young people to report concerns about online safety. The site offers clear guidance on when and how to make a report, what happens next, and how CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors support those affected. It’s a trusted place to seek help and take action if a child is at risk online.
Childnet
Childnet is a leading online safety organisation offering practical advice, resources, and toolkits for parents and carers. Their website helps families understand the digital world children are growing up in, with guidance on topics like social media, gaming, cyberbullying, and digital wellbeing. Whether you’re starting a conversation about online safety or looking for help with a specific concern, Childnet provides clear, age-appropriate support to help keep children safe and confident online.
NSPCC
The NSPCC Online Safety hub offers trusted advice to help parents and carers keep children safe in the digital world. It covers a wide range of topics including social media, gaming, online wellbeing, and how to talk to children about staying safe online. The site also provides practical tools like parental control guides, conversation starters, and the TRUST toolkit for managing a child’s first phone. Whether you’re looking for support or simply want to stay informed, the NSPCC is a valuable resource for every family.
Safer Internet Centre
This page introduces the TALK checklist to help parents start conversations and set boundaries. A vital guide for recognising and preventing online exploitation.
Internet Matters
This page provides easy-to-follow guides to help parents set up parental controls across devices, apps, and broadband networks. It’s a practical way to manage screen time, filter content, and protect children from online risks. The site also includes video tutorials and age-specific advice to support families in creating a safer digital environment at home.