At Fatfield Academy, we are committed to helping our children stay safe online. Technology plays an important role in children's lives, providing opportunities to learn, communicate and be creative. We also recognise that it is essential to teach children how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

We believe that keeping children safe online is a partnership between school and home.

How we teach online safety

Online safety is embedded throughout our curriculum and is taught through:

• Computing lessons
• PSHE and RSHE
• Assemblies and themed awareness days
• Class discussions and real-life scenarios
• Age-appropriate resources and videos

Children learn how to:

• Stay safe when using the internet
• Protect their personal information
• Create strong passwords
• Recognise online risks and scams
• Be kind and respectful online
• Report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or worried
• Think critically about information they see online

How parents can help

There are many ways you can support your child at home:

• Talk regularly about what they do online and who they communicate with.
• Keep devices in family areas where possible.
• Use parental controls and privacy settings.
• Agree clear rules about screen time and appropriate apps.
• Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult if anything online worries them.
• Remember that age ratings are there to help keep children safe.

Popular Apps and Games

Many games and social media platforms have age restrictions because they contain content that may not be suitable for younger children.

Examples include:

• WhatsApp – 13+
• TikTok – 13+
• Snapchat – 13+
• Instagram – 13+
• Facebook – 13+
• Roblox – Parental guidance recommended for younger users
• YouTube – Supervision recommended for younger children

We encourage parents to regularly check privacy settings, friends lists and parental controls on all devices and apps.

Need Support?

If your child has experienced anything online that has upset or worried them, please contact school. We are here to help and can offer advice and support.

You can also access trusted online safety advice by clicking the links below: