At Birch Hill Primary School, we are committed to helping children become safe, responsible and confident users of technology.

The internet provides children with exciting opportunities to learn, communicate, create and explore. However, we recognise that children also need the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Online Safety is an important part of our safeguarding curriculum and is taught through Computing, PSHE, assemblies and wider safeguarding activities throughout the year. We want every child to understand how to enjoy the benefits of technology whilst recognising potential risks and knowing how to seek help when needed.

What Children Learn

As children progress through the school, they learn about:

• Staying safe online.
• Protecting personal information and privacy.
• Building positive online relationships.
• Appropriate online behaviour and digital citizenship.
• Recognising online risks and unsafe situations.
• Cyberbullying and how to report concerns.
• The safe use of social media, gaming and online platforms.
• Understanding misinformation and online content.
• Knowing when and how to seek help from trusted adults.

Children are regularly reminded that if something online makes them feel worried, upset, uncomfortable or unsafe, they should stop, report it and speak to a trusted adult.

Working with Parents and Carers

We recognise that parents and carers play an important role in supporting children to use technology safely.

We encourage families to:

• Talk regularly about online activity.
• Set clear boundaries for technology use.
• Use parental controls where appropriate.
• Monitor age-appropriate access to games, apps and websites.
• Encourage children to speak openly about their online experiences.

By working together, we can help children develop positive habits and make safe choices online.

	Thinkyouknow A education programme from the National Crime Agency's CEOP command. Thinkuknow aims to empower children and young people aged 5-17 to identify the risks they may face online and know where they can go for support.
	Childnet International   A non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.
	Internet Safety Centre  Lots of free internet safety tips, advice and resources.
	Government Internet Safety Resources A framework to equip children and young people for digital life
	Parent Zone Parent Zone offers parents and families (and professionals) advice and resources on Internet safety and digital parenting.
	One of the UK’s largest parental controls and safety setting resources provided by Vodafone and created in partnership with online safety experts Digital Awareness UK.

Further online safety information can also be found by following the link below:

Maiden Erlegh Trust Online Safety Overview and Links