Helping your child stay safe online

Children are growing up in a digital world, and technology can be a wonderful way to learn, play, create and stay connected with friends and family. However, the online world can also present challenges and risks.

At Robert Bakewell Primary School, we want to work alongside parents and carers to help children develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to make safe and positive choices online.

You do not need to be an expert in technology. Regular conversations, clear boundaries and knowing where to find help can make a real difference.

Starting conversations about social media

Talk to your child regularly about what they are doing online. Try to make conversations relaxed and open rather than only talking about online safety when something has gone wrong.

You could ask:

• What apps, games or websites do you enjoy?

• Who do you talk to online?

• What do you like about being online?

• Have you ever seen anything online that made you feel uncomfortable?

• Do you know how to block or report someone?

• What would you do if someone you don't know contacted you?

• Who could you talk to if something online worried you?

Remind your child that they can always come to you or another trusted adult if something online makes them worried, frightened or uncomfortable.

Helpful things parents can do

Check privacy settings

Spend some time with your child checking the privacy and safety settings on the apps and games they use. Consider making accounts private, limiting who can contact them and turning off location sharing where appropriate.

Know what your child is using

Ask your child to show you the apps, games and platforms they enjoy. This is a good opportunity to understand how they work and to discuss any potential risks together.

Set family boundaries

Agree some simple family rules around devices and screen time. This might include where devices are used, when they are switched off and what happens if your child sees something upsetting.

Teach children to block and report

Make sure your child knows how to block, mute and report accounts or content that makes them uncomfortable. Encourage them not to respond to messages that worry them.

Think before sharing

Talk to your child about photographs, videos and personal information. Encourage them to think carefully before sharing anything online, including information about their school, home, location or other people.

Keep talking

Online safety is not a one-off conversation. Apps, games and trends change quickly, so regular, positive conversations help children develop good habits and confidence.

Useful Websites for Parents and Carers

We have gathered some trusted websites that provide advice, guidance and practical tools for helping children navigate the online world.

NSPCC – Online Safety

The NSPCC provides advice for parents and carers covering social media, phones, gaming, parental controls, online wellbeing and talking to children about online safety.

NSPCC – Social Media Advice

Practical advice about social media, including understanding risks, privacy settings, safety features and platform-specific guidance for parents and carers.

Internet Matters

A useful resource for parents, offering guidance on social media, gaming, smartphones, online bullying, parental controls and setting healthy boundaries around technology.

CEOP Education – Thinkuknow

CEOP Education provides age-appropriate online safety advice and resources to help children and families understand risks such as online contact, sharing information and communicating with others online.

Childline – Online Safety

Childline provides child-friendly advice about online safety, bullying, social media and things children can do if something online has worried or upset them. Children can also contact Childline for support.

Ofcom – Online Safety for Parents

Ofcom is the UK's online safety regulator. Its parent guidance explains how online safety rules are changing and provides practical advice about keeping children safer online.

Social Media: A changing landscape

Social media platforms can provide opportunities for connection and creativity, but they can also expose children to risks including inappropriate content, unwanted contact, cyberbullying and pressure around likes, comments and appearance.

Parents should be aware that the UK Government announced in June 2026 that major social media platforms will be restricted from providing accounts to under-16s, with the new law expected to come into force in spring 2027. The details are continuing to develop, so families should check trusted sources such as Ofcom and the NSPCC for the latest guidance.

In the meantime, we encourage families to check the age requirements and terms of service for the apps their children are using and to have regular conversations about their online experiences.

If something goes wrong

If your child sees something upsetting, receives an inappropriate message or experiences bullying online:

Stay calm. Listen. Reassure them.

Let your child know that they have done the right thing by telling you. Avoid immediately taking away their device if this might make them reluctant to tell you about future problems.

Where appropriate:

1. Save evidence, such as screenshots.

2. Block the account or person involved.

3. Report the content or account to the platform.

4. Talk to school if the issue involves other pupils or is affecting your child's wellbeing.

5. Seek advice from one of the trusted organisations listed above.

If you are concerned about a child's safety or wellbeing, please contact the school so that we can support you.

Useful reminder

Be curious, not critical.
Talk, don't just tell.
Check, don't assume.
And always let your child know that they can come to you when something doesn't feel right.

Together, we can help our children become confident, responsible and safe digital citizens.