Online Safety

For Students

The SMART Online Safety Rules

Keep personal information private.

Never share:

• Your full name
• Home address
• Phone number
• School details
• Passwords

Meet
Never agree to meet someone you only know online without a trusted adult present.

Accept
Do not open messages, links or files from people you do not know.

Reliable
Not everything online is true. Check information with a trusted adult, teacher or reliable website.

Tell
If something online worries, upsets or scares you:

• Tell a parent, carer or teacher straight away.
• Block and report the person if necessary.
• Remember: you will never get into trouble for asking for help.
   

Top Tips for Young People

✔ Think before you post.

✔ Be kind and respectful online.

✔ Keep your passwords secret and secure.

✔ Use privacy settings on apps and games.

✔ Remember that online friends may not be who they say they are.

✔ Take regular breaks from screens.

✔ Speak up if you see bullying or unkind behaviour.

What Should I Do If...

Someone is being mean online ?

• Don't reply.
• Save evidence if possible.
• Block the person.
• Tell a trusted adult.

I see something upsetting?

• Close the page or app.
• Tell a trusted adult immediately.
• Use the reporting tools available.

Someone asks for personal information?

• Never share it.
• Stop communicating with them.
• Tell an adult.

Supporting Your Child Online

Children benefit most from technology when adults take an active interest in their online lives. Regular conversations about online activity help children feel comfortable seeking support if something goes wrong. UK Safer Internet Centre recommends ongoing discussions about what children do online and where they can go for help.

Practical Ways to Help

• Talk regularly about what your child does online.
• Set age-appropriate boundaries and expectations.
• Use parental controls and privacy settings.
• Keep devices in shared family spaces where appropriate.
• Encourage balanced screen use and healthy digital habits.
• Model positive online behaviour yourself.
• Review games, apps and social media platforms before allowing access.

Parental controls can help manage content, screen time and online interactions across devices, networks and apps.

Warning Signs Your Daughter May Need Support

Look out for changes such as:

• Becoming withdrawn after using devices
• Secrecy around online activity
• Anxiety when receiving messages
• Sudden changes in mood
• Reluctance to attend school
• Sleep difficulties linked to device use

If you have concerns, speak with your child calmly and seek support from school staff if needed.

For Children

Childline
Free advice and support for children and young people.
 https://www.childline.org.uk

Childnet
Games, videos and advice about staying safe online.
https://www.childnet.com
Childnet provides age-appropriate resources on topics such as social media, gaming, online bullying and digital wellbeing. 

For Parents and Carers

Internet Matters
Expert advice, guides and parental control information.
https://www.internetmatters.org
Internet Matters offers practical advice about devices, apps, parental controls and online safety issues affecting children.

NSPCC Online Safety Hub
Information on online risks, conversations with children and parental controls.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
The NSPCC provides guidance on family conversations, online wellbeing, reporting concerns and parental controls. 
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/

Kidsonlineworld
Advice, guides and resources for families.
https://www.kidsonlineworld.com/parents--carers.html

UK Safer Internet Centre
Advice, guides and resources for families.
https://saferinternet.org.uk
The UK Safer Internet Centre offers guidance, technology guides and conversation starters for parents and carers https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

CEOP Safety Centre
Report concerns about online exploitation and get safety advice.
https://www.ceop.police.uk
Government-backed online safety guidance has been developed with CEOP and partner organisations to help children use the internet safely. [assets.pub...ice.gov.uk]

National College
Free courses and advice guides for parents 

Healthier Screen Time Guidance