Online Safety
Helping children stay safe, confident and responsible online
Technology provides opportunities to learn, create, communicate and have fun. However, the children may encounter inappropriate content, cyberbullying, grooming schemes, scams, harmful social media content and unsafe contact.
At Edward Wilson Primary School, online safety is taught through the Computing curriculum, Relationships and Health Education, safeguarding and our wider offer, including workshops and assemblies. The children learn to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, how to recognise the risks and therefore, ask for help.
Online Safety Policy 2025
What do we teach?
Across KS1 and KS2, the children learn about:
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protecting personal information, passwords and accounts;
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afe searching and recognising trustworthy information;
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online friendships, gaming and communication;
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cyberbullying, reporting and blocking;
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photographs, videos, digital footprints and online reputation;
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inappropriate content, misinformation and algorithms;
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scams, phishing and cybercrime;
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prejudice, sexism and misogynistic content;
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online grooming and unsafe contact;
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speaking to a trusted adult.
Digital Leaders
In 2026-27, we are excited to introduce the new pupil role of Digital Leaders, who will be trained by our Computing Lead and will play an important role in promoting online safety, responsible technology use and positive digital behaviour both in the classroom and in the playground.
Social Media and Harmful Content
Parents and carers should check the age ratings and platform terms before allowing their children to use apps or social media. In addition, it is paramount that the parents and carers use privacy settings and parental controls, talk regularly about online experiences, and make sure that the children know how to block and report users.
Children may encounter harmful content, including sexism, stereotypes or misogynistic attitudes, through videos, games, recommendations or group chats. Consequently, our age-appropriate teaching promotes respect, equality, kindness and healthy relationships.
Grooming and Cybercrime
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship with a child to gain trust and potentially exploit or abuse them. Children should never keep online secrets, share personal information or photographs, or move conversations to private spaces.
We teach the children to keep passwords and security codes private, avoid suspicious links, unusual friend requests or question requests for information. Above all, to tell a trusted adult if they feel unsafe or if something seems suspicious.
Safe Searching
For KS1 and KS2, families may wish to use Swiggle or Kiddle alongside parental controls, school filtering and supervision. Please note that no search engine can guarantee that every result is suitable. Furthermore, the children should learn to check the information they receive and tell an adult if they see something upsetting.
What should you do if you need help?
STOP – BLOCK – TELL
Stop using the app, game or conversation.
Block the person or account where appropriate.
Tell a trusted adult, such as a parent, carer, teacher or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
You will not get into trouble if you ask for help. If you have shared information, clicked a link or sent a photograph, tell an adult immediately.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Concerns about online grooming or sexual exploitation can be reported to CEOP:
Cyber Choices Workshop 2025
Useful Websites
- Childnet– child-friendly online safety advice
- Childline – free, confidential support; call 0800 1111
- Thinkuknow – advice from the National Crime Agency
- NSPCC Online Safety – advice about social media, grooming and parental controls
- Internet Matters – practical family guidance
- UK Safer Internet Centre – resources for families and schools
- Report Harmful Content – reporting advice
- National Cyber Security Centre – cybercrime and scam advice
If it doesn’t feel right, tell someone. At Edward Wilson Primary School, we take online safety and safeguarding very seriously.
If you would like further support, or are concerned about something in particular, then please speak with either Mrs Qureshi (Computing Lead), Ms Desmarais (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or Ms Lawrence (Headteacher).
If you have any questions regarding E-safety, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.