At High Halden Church of England Primary School, we take your child’s online safety seriously. The internet is a fantastic tool for learning, communication, and creativity—but it also comes with risks. Working together, we can help children enjoy the digital world safely and responsibly.

⚠️ Understanding the Risks

The online world can expose children to a number of potential risks. These generally fall into the 3 C's of online safety:

🔹 Content – What children see

• Inappropriate images or videos

• Misleading or fake information

• Content that promotes harmful behaviours

🔹 Contact – Who they talk to

• Strangers trying to make contact

• Cyberbullying or online abuse

• Grooming or manipulation

🔹 Conduct – How they behave

• Sharing personal information

• Posting hurtful content

• Risky online challenges or trends

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Can Parents Do?

Here are some simple ways you can support your child at home:

🗣️ Talk regularly
Keep open conversations going about what your child is doing online, who they talk to, and how it makes them feel.

🧠 Teach critical thinking
Help them question what they see online—Is it true? Is it safe? Is it kind?

🔐 Use privacy settings
Ensure their accounts, apps, and devices have strong privacy settings in place.

👀 Supervise and stay involved
Know what platforms and games your child is using, and use parental controls where appropriate.

⏰ Set time boundaries
Encourage healthy screen time habits and time away from devices.

📱 Be a role model
Demonstrate positive screen habits and respectful behaviour online.

💡 Useful Websites & Resources

Here are trusted websites filled with guides, activities, and expert advice:

🔗 ThinkUKnow
💬 Age-appropriate tips, videos & resources from the National Crime Agency

🔗 Internet Matters
📱 Set parental controls, age guides, and online safety advice

🔗 NSPCC - Online Safety
🧸 Keeping children safe online and through apps

🔗 Childnet
🎮 Specific advice on gaming, privacy, and apps

🔗 UK Safer Internet Centre
🌍 Guides for parents and carers, including current risks

🔗 Common Sense Media
🎥 Reviews and age ratings for films, apps, and games

📅 Let's Work Together

We regularly teach children about online safety through assemblies, computing lessons, and themed weeks like Safer Internet Day.

If you ever have a concern about your child’s online activity or want more support:

📞 Please speak to your child’s class teacher
📧 Or contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) through the school office

Together, we can help children navigate the digital world confidently, safely, and with kindness.