Online Safety
Online Safety
The internet is an essential part of modern life and provides exciting opportunities for learning, creativity and communication. At Laneshaw Bridge School, we use technology to support teaching and learning while ensuring that pupils understand how to use it safely, responsibly and respectfully.
Online safety is taught throughout the curriculum and reinforced through dedicated lessons, assemblies, awareness events and regular discussions in class. We encourage all children to become responsible digital citizens who understand how to keep themselves and others safe online.
Advice for Children
When using the internet, remember to:
- Always ask a trusted adult before going online.
- Only use websites, apps and games that are appropriate for your age.
- Keep personal information private, including your full name, address, telephone number and passwords.
- Think carefully before sharing photographs, videos or messages online.
- Be respectful and kind when communicating with others.
- Be cautious when using search engines and online platforms.
- Never arrange to meet someone you have only met online.
- Tell a trusted adult immediately if something online makes you feel worried, upset or uncomfortable.
Our school network is carefully filtered and monitored to help protect pupils from inappropriate content. However, children may access the internet in different ways outside school, so it is important that they continue to apply these safety principles wherever they are online.
Useful Online Safety Websites
- Thinkuknow: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
- Childnet: https://www.childnet.com
- CEOP Safety Centre: https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/
Information for Parents and Carers
The internet plays an important role in children's education, communication and everyday life. At Laneshaw Bridge School, safeguarding is our highest priority and we are committed to teaching pupils how to use technology safely and responsibly.
We work closely with families to promote positive online behaviours and encourage parents and carers to take an active role in supporting children's online safety at home.
Our Online Safety Policy provides further information about how we safeguard pupils when using technology and can be found in the Policies section of the website.
Email and Digital Communication
To ensure pupils remain safe online:
- Pupils only use approved digital platforms and accounts provided by the school.
- Children are taught how to communicate safely and respectfully online.
- Pupils are reminded never to share personal information.
- Any concerns about inappropriate messages or online behaviour should be reported immediately to a member of staff.
Photography and the School Website
We carefully protect pupils' privacy when sharing information online.
- Pupils' full names are not published alongside photographs.
- Personal information about pupils, families or staff is never published.
- Images are used in accordance with school policies and parental permissions.
Social Media
Many social media platforms have age restrictions which are above the age of primary school pupils. Nevertheless, we recognise that some children may access online platforms, gaming services and communication apps outside school.
We teach pupils how to:
- Use privacy settings effectively.
- Protect their personal information.
- Identify trusted and untrusted online contacts.
- Recognise inappropriate content, behaviour or communication.
- Report, block and seek help when needed.
- Think critically about what they see and share online.
We encourage parents and carers to regularly monitor their child's online activity, discuss online safety openly, and ensure privacy and safety settings are enabled on devices and apps.
Our Aim
Through our online safety education, we aim to ensure that every pupil leaves Laneshaw Bridge as a confident, responsible and informed digital citizen who understands how to stay safe, show respect for others and make positive choices online.
