At The Drive Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all children learn how to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and confidently in an increasingly digital world.

How We Teach Online Safety

At The Drive Primary School, online safety is embedded throughout our curriculum and school culture.

• Children learn about online safety each term through our Kapow Computing curriculum.
• Online safety themes are revisited regularly to ensure learning is age-appropriate and builds over time.
• We hold an annual Coding Week in the Autumn Term.
• We hold an Online Safety Week in the Spring Term, during which every class takes part in focused activities, discussions and lessons about staying safe online.
• Online safety is also taught through assemblies, PSHE lessons and class discussions when relevant issues arise.

What Children Learn

Children are taught how to:

• Stay safe when using websites, apps and games.
• Protect their personal information and privacy.
• Recognise bullying and report concerns.
• Identify trustworthy and untrustworthy online content.
• Understand digital footprints and the impact of their online actions.
• Use technology responsibly and respectfully.
• Recognise scams, phishing attempts and misleading information.
• Seek help from trusted adults when needed.

Working in Partnership with Parents

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online.

We encourage families to:

• Talk regularly about online experiences.
• Use parental controls where appropriate.
• Monitor age ratings on games, apps and social media platforms.
• Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible.
• Encourage children to speak up if anything online worries them.

Reporting Concerns

If a child experiences anything online that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable, they should:

1. Stop what they are doing.
2. Save any evidence where possible.
3. Block and report the user if appropriate.
4. Tell a trusted adult immediately.

Parents who have concerns about online safety should contact the school.

Please see our Online Safety and Acceptable Use Policy below for further information about how we promote safe and responsible use of technology throughout the school.

TikTok

Whilst the popularity and use of TikTok continues to grow, so do the number of concerns surrounding its use by children and young people. We encourage parents and carers to familiarise themselves with the app and its safety features.

The following guides provide useful information and practical advice:

• Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok (Common Sense Media)
• TikTok App Safety – What Parents Need to Know (Internet Matters)

Sharenting

Sharenting (or oversharenting) is a term used to describe the overuse of social media by parents, carers or family members to share content about children online.

Social Media and Online Safety Reminder – Message to Parents/Carers

It is always wonderful to share and celebrate what our children are doing through social media. However, before posting, it is important to consider the potential risks and think carefully about what information is being shared.

Ask yourself:

• Who can see the content you are posting?
• Is your child identifiable as a pupil at The Drive Primary School?
• Is any personal information visible, such as your home address, street name, or location details in the background?
• Who is included in your online friends list, and are they trusted individuals within your close circle who demonstrate responsible and respectful online behaviour?
• Do you need to upload every photograph, or would a smaller selection be sufficient?
• Do you regularly review and ‘spring clean’ your social media accounts by removing old content and checking your privacy settings?

Taking a few moments to consider these questions can help protect your child’s privacy and keep them safe online while still allowing you to share special moments with family and friends.

Useful Websites for Parents/Carers

• Childnet: www.childnet.com
• UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk
• Thinkuknow (CEOP): www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• NSPCC Online Safety: www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
• Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org

Top Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe Online

• Review the privacy settings on all social media accounts.
• Change passwords regularly (at least every three months) and avoid obvious or predictable words.
• Think carefully before posting personal information about yourself or your family online.
• Speak to friends or family members if they are posting content about your child that you are not comfortable with.
• Have open and honest conversations with your child about social media and how to stay safe online.
• Remember that fraudsters often need only a name, date of birth and address to steal someone's identity.

For further advice on supporting children online, please visit:

Barclays Digital Wings – Internet Safety for Children
https://www.barclays.co.uk/moments/helping-younger-generations/Internet-safety-for-children/