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Online Safety

Online Safety

Staying safe online is just as important as staying safe in the real world.

At Downham C of E Primary School, we want every child to enjoy the internet safely, confidently and responsibly. The online world offers wonderful opportunities to learn, play and connect with others, but it is important that children know how to recognise risks and where to turn for help.

Online safety is taught throughout the year and forms an important part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupils’ wellbeing.

For Parents & Carers

You play an important role in helping your child develop safe and positive online habits.

  • Talk regularly: Take an interest in the games, apps, websites and videos your child enjoys.

  • Set clear boundaries: Agree age-appropriate rules about screen time, online activities and device use.

  • Use parental controls: Check privacy settings, content filters and safety settings on devices, apps, games and your home internet.

  • Know who they are talking to: Talk about online friendships, gaming chats and the importance of never meeting an online contact without a trusted adult’s involvement.

  • Encourage openness: Reassure your child that they can always tell you if something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or upset.

  • Lead by example: Model respectful communication and healthy digital habits.

For Pupils: Be SMART Online!

  • S – Safe: Keep personal information, passwords and private details to yourself.

  • M – Meet? Never alone: Never arrange to meet someone you have only met online without a trusted adult’s knowledge and support.

  • A – Accepting files and messages: Never open suspicious links, files or messages. Ask an adult if you are unsure.

  • R – Remember: Not everyone online is who they say they are, and not everything you see or read is true.

  • T – Tell: Tell a trusted adult if something worries you, upsets you or just doesn’t feel right.

Always be kind and respectful online. Never share photographs or videos of yourself or others without thinking carefully and getting appropriate permission.

If someone asks you to keep an uncomfortable secret, share personal pictures or do something that feels wrong, stop and tell a trusted adult.

Remember: You will not be in trouble for asking for help.

Our Commitment

We teach online safety throughout the school year, including through computing, PSHE, assemblies and activities linked to Safer Internet Day.

We encourage pupils to think critically about what they see online, communicate respectfully, protect their personal information and understand how to report concerns.

We work in partnership with parents and carers to promote safe, responsible and positive use of technology. Our aim is to equip every child with the knowledge and confidence to make sensible choices online and to seek help whenever they need it.

Who to Contact for Online Safety Concerns

If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, please contact Miss Proctor, our Online Safety Lead, on 01268 710387 or via the school office.

We take online safety concerns seriously and will handle them sensitively, working in partnership with parents and carers to help keep children safe.

You can also contact the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) if you have a safeguarding concern.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services where appropriate.

Useful Links & Support

The following websites provide advice, guidance and resources to help children and families stay safe online.

Together, we can help every child become a safe, kind and confident digital citizen.

  1. What Parents Need to Know About Character.AI 9.9.26 pdf
  2. What Parents Need to Know About Discord 23.9.26 pdf
  3. What Parents Need to Know About Looksmaxxing 30.9.26 pdf
  4. What Parents Need to Know About AI Companions 9.10.26 pdf