Skip to content ↓

Information for Parents - Online Safety

Online Safety - Why ot Matters:  The internet offers children amazing opportunities to learn, create, and connect. From researching school projects to chatting with friends, playing games and exploring new interests, it can be a powerful tool for education and enjoyment. However, being online also brings risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, privacy breaches, or contact from strangers. At Lowercroft, we believe that teaching children how to navigate the online world safely is just as important as teaching them to cross the road. By helping pupils recognise both the benefits and the risks, we aim to equip them with the skills, confidence, and good judgement they need to make positive choices online—both now and in the future.

Our approach in school:

  • Taught in the curriculum: Online safety is woven through Computing, PSHE/RSHE and across subjects, so children learn how to be safe, kind and responsible online at age-appropriate levels. 

  • Regular reminders: Assemblies, themed days (e.g. Safer Internet Day) and class discussions help children practise safe choices, critical thinking and how to get help. 

  • Safe systems: We use filtering and monitoring on school devices and networks, in line with DfE standards and we teach pupils how to report anything that worries them. 

  • Staff training: All staff receive safeguarding and online-safety training so they can spot concerns and support pupils promptly. 

If you or your child has a concern about something online that happened in or out of school, please speak to your class teacher or contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) via the school office. If you believe a child is at immediate risk, call 999.

 

Quick tips for home Link
Talk early, talk often. Ask what they’re doing online, who they’re with and how it makes them feel. Use “What would you do if…?” scenarios. 

CEOP logo

UK Safer Internet Centre

Use parental controls & privacy settings. Set content filters, app limits, and safe search on your home broadband, mobiles, tablets, consoles and smart TVs. 

 

Internet Matters

Agree family rules. Create a simple plan together: where devices are used (e.g. not in bedrooms at night), when they’re used (bedtime/wind-down), and what’s okay to share.

Internet Matters
Know the ratings. Use PEGI age ratings and content descriptors for games; check app reviews before downloading.

ukie main logo
Model the behaviour. Children copy us—show how you balance screen time, use privacy settings, and pause before posting.

Internet Matters
Websites for Children

Click on the button above to see our recommended websites for children about keeping safe online.

 

What to do if something goes wrong:

  • Save the evidence (screenshots, usernames, links).

  • Report/block within the app or game.

  • Tell a trusted adult and inform school.

  • Report to CEOP if you’re worried about online sexual abuse or grooming. ceopeducation.co.uk

  • Childline offers free, confidential support for children 24/7 (phone 0800 1111 or online chat). childline.org.uk

Trusted help and guides:

  • Education for a Connected World (framework we follow) – GOV.UK. GOV.UK

  • Filtering & Monitoring Standards (DfE) – what schools must have in place. GOV.UK

  • CEOP (Thinkuknow) for parents and carers – advice and reporting. ceopeducation.co.uk

  • UK Safer Internet Centre – Parents & Carers – practical guides and tips. UK Safer Internet Centre

  • NSPCC Online Safety – how-tos, conversations, and support. NSPCC

  • Internet Matters – step-by-step parental control guides for devices, broadband and social media. Internet Matters+2Internet Matters+2

  • Childline: Staying safe online – child-friendly advice and help. childline.org.uk+1

  • PEGI age ratings (AskAboutGames) – understand game content and suitability. Ask About Games

Age guidance (quick reference)

  • Most social media platforms set minimum age 13 (check each app’s terms). Use children’s versions where available and turn on the strictest privacy settings. (See Internet Matters & Net Aware.)

Talk to us

We’re here to help. If you’d like support setting up controls, understanding an app/game, or discussing a concern, contact your class teacher or the DSL via the school office: lowercroft@bury.gov.uk/0161 761 2798

  • BBC

  • Action for Children Action for Children supports and speaks for the UK's most vulnerable and neglected children and young people.

  • BBC Bitesize Fun activities to help children at learn more key subjects.

Cookie Policy