The DSL who leads online safety at Vernon Terrace Primary School is our Head Teacher, Mrs J Cassiano. Our safeguarding policy and curriculum ensures pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe when online. Our teachers create a safe space for children to share their online experiences with them.
Our aim is not to deter our children from exploring and experimenting with the online world and technology. We want our pupils to positively engage in, and enjoy the online world and technology whilst ensuring they have a strong understanding of the risks and challenges creating confident users.
Evaluative Questions
Reporting Concerns
If your child witnesses harmful or upsetting content or experiences bullying or abuse whilst online, please contact the school to report immediately. There are also links below which will enable you to seek further support and to report any of the above concerns.
Harmful or Upsetting Content
- reporting harmful online content to the UK Safer Internet Centre
- getting government advice and trusted resources from Educate Against Hate on safeguarding from radicalisation, building resilience to extremism, and promoting shared values
Bullying or Abuse Online
- get advice on reporting online abuse from the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection command
- get advice and support from Anti-Bullying Alliance for children who are being bullied
Parental Information
- Attending Vernon Terrace's online safety workshops (annually for updates)
- Talking to your children regularly regarding their usage of online devices
- Checking recommended age guidance for apps/games
- Discuss, as a family, whether or not you consider your child is old enough to use online devices as a communication tool
- Create a safe space for your children to talk about their online experiences
- Take a snapshot of any inappropriate comments or images sent as evidence
- Show this to any adults who are responsible for the child - if a child is in your care
- Bring this information to our attention for further advice. If the message is from one of their school peers we will investigate and use our behaviour policy to manage it. DO NOT approach a parent or attempt to reply to the message
- If the conflict is with someone your child does not know, who is not a pupil at our school, still let us know as we can support you with this
- Have regular conversations with your child about how to have safe and respectful conversations online. Children will have conflicts with their peers, together we need to teach the children how to manage these respectfully without using online platforms.
Useful discussion points to have with your children
Tutor Hunt
Maintaining awareness of children`s digital activities can pose a challenge, particularly when they navigate unfamiliar websites and apps. At Tutor Hunt, we strive to create a comprehensive information hub to promote safe internet use for children
To educate parents and children about digital safety, we have allocated a substantial amount of resources. Our team of experts have crafted a comprehensive children`s internet safety resource, containing invaluable insights and practical tips.