Online Safety Overview

Online Safety

At Woodloes School, we take every opportunity through Computing lessons, assemblies, and online safety education within the curriculum to ensure our children are well equipped to keep themselves safe online and to support their peers in doing so. However, we recognise that a significant portion of their online engagement occurs outside of school hours, where crucial lessons can sometimes be overlooked.

In light of this, we have compiled succinct pieces of online safety guidance aimed at assisting parents. Collaborative efforts between school and home are vital in fostering a safe online environment for our young people.

The first theme we address is social media, which has become an increasingly integral aspect of many children’s lives. Social media platforms offer both opportunities for self-expression and challenges related to privacy, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. We encourage parents to engage in open discussions with their children about their online interactions, fostering an environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns.

By maintaining an ongoing dialogue and implementing strategies for responsible online behaviour, we can work collectively to safeguard our children in the digital realm.

Social Media

You may be contemplating the appropriate age for your child to establish a social media account or harbouring concerns if they are already engaged with these platforms. It is essential to acknowledge that the majority of social media services stipulate a minimum age of 13 years for users to register. This age restriction is intended to safeguard children's online experiences and promote responsible use of social media. Therefore, it is prudent to evaluate your child's maturity, understanding of online safety, and ability to navigate the potential risks associated with internet interactions before granting permission to join social media networks.

For advice and guidance, read Is your child ready for social media?

Most young people have positive experiences socialising online but it can be easy for young people to share things or post things online which in retrospect they wish they hadn’t. The simplest way to have information about your child removed from a website or app is to contact the site itself. Read reporting to social media sites for more information on how to do this.

This year, our school has focused on equipping students with vital advice regarding online safety. We have emphasised the importance of making informed choices while engaging with various digital platforms and outlined appropriate steps to take should they encounter difficulties or make regrettable decisions. It is crucial that parents engage in discussions with their children about their social media usage, ensuring they comprehend the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves online. By fostering open communication, we can collectively empower our young people to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience. Thank you for your continued support in this essential area.