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Sherbrook Primary School

E-Safety:
Keeping Children Safe Online
at Home

At Sherbrook Primary School, we are committed to helping children become safe, responsible and confident users of technology. The internet, games, apps and social media can provide wonderful opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, but it is important that children are supported to use them safely.
We work with pupils throughout the school to develop their understanding of online safety and encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if they ever feel worried, upset or unsafe online. We teach 'Don't like it' with symbols, makaton and ALD boards to give our pre-formal children a way to communicate if something is wrong or upsetting online or in games, Childnets 'Smartie the Penguin' stories and 'SMART' rules to our semi-formal children in KS1 and KS2.
We will regularly post guides and latest online safety information Dojo to keep parents and carers informed. If you ever need support activating age restrictions or other online safety tools on your childs devices please contact school and we will be happy to help.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Children are most successful at staying safe online when schools and families work together. We encourage parents and carers to:
  • Talk regularly about online activities and gaming.
  • Keep devices in family spaces where possible.
  • Use age-appropriate parental controls and privacy settings.
  • Check age ratings before allowing access to games, apps and websites.
  • Encourage children to tell you if they see something that worries them.
  • Set clear family rules around screen time and online behaviour.
  • Take an interest in the games, videos and apps your child enjoys.

Online Gaming

Many popular games allow children to chat, share content or make in-game purchases. While gaming can be social and enjoyable, it is important to be aware of:
  • Online chat with strangers
  • In-game spending and purchases
  • Exposure to inappropriate content
  • Excessive screen time
  • Sharing personal information
Parents should check game age ratings, review privacy settings and regularly discuss safe gaming habits with their child.

Social Media

Many social media platforms have minimum age requirements of 13+. Even where children do not have their own accounts, they may still access content through friends, family members or videos shared online.
Parents can help by:
  • Discussing what is appropriate to share online.
  • Checking privacy settings regularly.
  • Talking about kindness and respect online.
  • Encouraging children to come to an adult if they encounter upsetting content.
  • Monitoring usage and ensuring accounts are age appropriate.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI tools and chatbots are becoming increasingly common. While they can support learning and creativity, children should understand that:
  • AI can sometimes provide incorrect information.
  • AI-generated images and videos may not be real.
  • Personal information should never be shared with AI tools.
  • Children should always check information with trusted adults and reliable sources.

AI Safety Guide for Parents

The National College has produced guidance to help families understand the opportunities and risks associated with AI:
Supporting Safe Use of AI

National College Parent Guides

The National College's award-winning #WakeUpWednesday resources provide up-to-date guides on popular apps, games and online risks.
 National College.com Wake-up-Wednesday
Visit the Parent Hub: National College Parents Hub
Some of the most popular guides from the National College, for primary-aged children include:

NSPCC Online Safety Support

The NSPCC provides excellent advice for parents and carers on a wide range of online safety topics, including social media, gaming, parental controls, screen time and online wellbeing. 
NSPCC Keeping Children Safe Online

NSPCC Online Safety Hub

NSPCC Online Safety Resources
NSPCC Parental Controls Guide

NSPCC Parental Controls

Childline Online Safety Advice for Children

Childline Safety Online and Mobile Safety

Helpful Conversation Starters

Try asking your child:
  • What games are you enjoying at the moment?
  • Who do you talk to online?
  • What would you do if someone made you feel uncomfortable online?
  • Do you know how to block or report someone?
  • What should you do if you see something upsetting?
Creating an environment where children feel comfortable talking about their online experiences is one of the most effective ways to keep them safe.

If you have any concerns regarding online safety, please contact the school's safeguarding team for advice and support. 

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