Dear Parents and Carers,

As part of our ongoing safeguarding work, we would like to share guidance on how you can support your child to stay safe online. As secondary-aged students become more independent in their use of technology, it is important that they are supported to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.

Talking to your child about online safety

  • Maintain regular, open conversations about what your child does online, including social media, messaging apps, gaming, and video platforms.

  • Encourage your child to talk to you or another trusted adult if they see or experience something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, confused, or upset.

  • Remind your child never to share personal information online, such as their address, school, passwords, or phone number.

Social media, messaging, and online behaviour

  • Check that your child is using age-appropriate platforms and understands how to use privacy settings.

  • Encourage accounts to be set to private and remind your child to only communicate with people they know in real life.

  • Discuss the risks of sharing images, videos, or personal opinions online and remind them that online content can be difficult to remove once shared.

  • Talk about respectful online behaviour and the impact that online comments, messages, and content can have on others.

  • Make your child aware of online bullying, harmful peer pressure, and how to report concerns.

Online gaming and live streaming

  • Be aware of the games your child plays and the people they communicate with.

  • Encourage your child not to use voice or chat features with people they do not know.

  • Use parental controls to manage screen time, content, and in-game spending where appropriate.

  • Remind your child never to share personal details, images, or videos while gaming or live streaming.

Online radicalisation and harmful online communities

Some online spaces promote harmful or extreme views and can deliberately target young people who may be feeling isolated, angry, or misunderstood. This can include misogynistic or extremist content, such as material linked to incel (involuntary celibate) ideology or other radicalised online communities.

These groups may:

  • Promote hatred towards women or other groups

  • Encourage blame, anger, or violence as a response to personal difficulties

  • Normalise harmful language, memes, or “jokes”

  • Gradually draw young people into more extreme views

Warning signs may include:

  • Increased secrecy around online activity

  • Sudden changes in language, attitudes, or beliefs

  • Exposure to aggressive, sexist, or extremist content

  • Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual interests

Talking calmly and openly with your child about what they are seeing online, challenging harmful views, and encouraging critical thinking can help reduce the risk of radicalisation.

Parental controls and digital boundaries

  • Use parental controls on devices, apps, and home broadband to support safe online use.

  • Agree clear boundaries around screen time, device use, and online behaviour.

  • Where possible, encourage devices to be used in shared family spaces.

  • Regularly review apps, games, and websites your child is accessing.

What to do if you are concerned

  • Encourage your child to save evidence, such as screenshots, if something concerning happens online.

  • Report concerns directly to the platform or app involved.

  • Serious concerns, including online exploitation or radicalisation, can be reported through CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection).

  • If you have concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing, please contact the school so we can offer support and guidance.

We appreciate your continued support in working with us to keep young people safe online. By working together, we can help students enjoy the benefits of the digital world while protecting them from potential risks.