Online Safety at Cranford Primary School
At Cranford Primary School, online safety is an essential part of safeguarding. Technology provides children with exciting opportunities to learn, communicate and explore, but we recognise that it can also present risks.
We are committed to helping our pupils become safe, responsible and confident digital citizens. Online safety is taught throughout our curriculum and reinforced through assemblies, discussions and age-appropriate learning opportunities.
We teach children how to:
- protect their personal information and passwords;
- recognise inappropriate, harmful or misleading online content;
- behave respectfully and responsibly when communicating online;
- understand the importance of consent and privacy when sharing images or information;
- recognise cyberbullying and know how to report it;
- understand that people online may not always be who they say they are;
- recognise when something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe;
- seek help from a trusted adult and understand that they will be listened to and supported.
Our approach to online safeguarding
Online safety is embedded within our wider safeguarding culture. Staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and are alert to online risks including cyberbullying, inappropriate or harmful content, online sexual harassment, exploitation, grooming, radicalisation and the misuse of social media and technology.
We have appropriate filtering and monitoring systems in place on school devices and networks. These arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate for the needs and age of our pupils.
We also recognise the rapidly changing nature of technology, including social media, gaming, messaging platforms, livestreaming and artificial intelligence (AI), and support children to understand both the opportunities and potential risks associated with their use.
Working with parents and carers
Keeping children safe online works best when school and families work together. We encourage parents and carers to have regular, open conversations with their children about what they are doing online, who they are communicating with and what they should do if something worries them.
Parents should consider age restrictions, privacy settings and parental controls when allowing children to access apps, games, social media and online services.
If you are concerned about something your child has seen or experienced online, please speak to your child's class teacher or a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team.
Reporting an online safety concern
If a child encounters something online that makes them feel worried, frightened, uncomfortable or unsafe, we encourage them to:
Stop – Close the content or conversation.
Block – Block the person or account where appropriate.
Tell – Tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
Concerns about the online safety or welfare of a child at Cranford Primary School can also be reported directly to our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Jasmeen Chana (Headteacher).
At CPS, we want our children to enjoy the opportunities technology provides while having the knowledge, confidence and support they need to stay safe online.
Please find below useful links to support you and your child:
CEOP