Online safety
Helping Children Navigate the Digital World Safely
Technology is a huge part of children's lives. From gaming and messaging to social media and online learning, children are spending more time online than ever before.
At Grampian Primary School, we believe that online safety is about much more than filtering websites or setting parental controls. It is about helping children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
Our mission is to unlock positive futures, and we know that preparing children for life in a digital world is an important part of that journey.
Our Approach to Online Safety
Online safety is embedded throughout school life.
Children learn about online safety through our:
- Computing curriculum
- PSHE curriculum
- Assemblies
- Class discussions
- National awareness events such as Safer Internet Day
- Responsive lessons linked to emerging online trends and concerns
We aim to help children understand how to:
- Stay safe online
- Protect their personal information
- Communicate respectfully
- Recognise online risks
- Report concerns
- Build healthy relationships with technology
Working Together
Keeping children safe online is most effective when schools and families work together.
Technology changes rapidly and new apps, games and online trends appear all the time. We encourage families to maintain open conversations about online activity and to take an active interest in how children are using technology at home.
Children should always know that they can speak to a trusted adult if something online worries, upsets or confuses them.
Top Tips for Parents and Carers
Protect Personal Information
Children should never share:
- Full name
- Address
- School name
- Telephone number
- Date of birth
- Passwords
Screen names and usernames should not contain personal information.
Check Privacy Settings
Regularly review privacy settings on:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Games consoles
- Social media accounts
- Messaging apps
Know Who They Are Talking To
Talk to your child about online friendships and regularly review friend lists and follower requests.
Children should only communicate with people they know and trust.
Keep Talking
Ask your child:
- What apps are you using?
- What games are you playing?
- Who are you chatting with?
- Have you seen anything that made you uncomfortable?
Open conversations are often the best online safety tool.
Report Problems
Encourage children to:
- Block users
- Report inappropriate content
- Save evidence where appropriate
- Tell a trusted adult immediately
Popular Apps, Games and Social Media
Many apps and games include features such as:
- Live chat
- Private messaging
- Voice communication
- User-generated content
- Livestreaming
These features can expose children to risks if they are used without appropriate supervision.
We encourage parents and carers to regularly review age ratings and safety settings and to stay informed about the platforms their children use.
Need Help Setting Up Devices?
If you would like support with:
- Privacy settings
- Parental controls
- Device safety settings
- Gaming controls
- Social media settings
a member of the school team would be happy to help.
Please contact the school office on 01332 765546 to arrange a meeting.
Useful Websites and Resources
National Online Safety | Resources, guides and advice for parents and carers.
- https://nationalonlinesafety.com
Thinkuknow | Age-appropriate activities, advice and information from CEOP.
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
CEOP Safety Centre | Advice on reporting online concerns and exploitation.
- https://www.ceop.police.uk
NSPCC Online Safety Hub | Practical advice for families on a range of online safety topics.
- https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
Worried About Something Online?
If you have concerns about a child's online safety, please contact a member of our safeguarding team.
📞 01332 765546
📧 safeguarding@grampian.anthemtrust.uk
If a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999.
At Grampian Primary School, we want every child to enjoy the opportunities technology brings whilst developing the knowledge, confidence and resilience to stay safe online.
