E-Safety

At Riverside, we take online safety seriously and are committed to helping children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. As technology plays an increasing role in everyday life, it is essential that children understand how to stay safe online, and we work in partnership with parents to reinforce these important messages.

How We Teach E-Safety in School

We integrate E-Safety into our curriculum to ensure children develop the knowledge and skills to use technology safely. This includes:

• Dedicated E-Safety lessons as part of our Computing and PSHE curriculum.
• Discussions on online risks, such as cyberbullying, privacy, and inappropriate content.
• Practical guidance on password security, safe searching, and responsible social media use.
• Clear rules for using technology in school, including filtering and monitoring systems to protect children online.

How You Can Help at Home

Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing E-Safety messages. Here are some key ways you can support your child:

1. Talk to Your Child About Online Safety

Encourage open conversations about their online activities, friends, and any concerns they may have. Make sure they know they can come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable.

2. Set Age-Appropriate Rules

• Follow recommended age ratings for games, apps, and social media platforms (e.g., WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram require users to be at least 13).
• Use parental controls on devices, broadband, and apps to limit access to inappropriate content.
• Set screen time limits to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

3. Teach Safe and Responsible Online Behaviour

• Remind children never to share personal information (e.g., full name, address, school details) online.
• Encourage them to use strong passwords and keep them private.
• Help them understand the importance of kindness and respect when communicating online.

4. Monitor Online Activity

• Keep devices in shared family spaces rather than bedrooms.
• Regularly check privacy settings on apps and games.
• Use child-friendly search engines and encourage safe browsing habits.

5. Be Aware of Online Risks

• Discuss the dangers of talking to strangers online and how people may not always be who they claim to be.
• Explain the risks of sharing photos and personal details.
• Educate them about ‘fake news’ and how to question online content.

Useful Websites for Parents

For further support and resources, visit:

• UK Safer Internet Centre – Advice on keeping children safe online.
• NSPCC Online Safety – Guidance on social media, gaming, and online risks.
• ThinkUKnow – Child-friendly resources on internet safety.
• Internet Matters – Parental guides and advice on online safety.

Reporting Concerns

If you are worried about something your child has seen or experienced online, you can:

• Report inappropriate content via the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) website (www.ceop.police.uk).
• Speak to a member of staff at school for guidance and support.
• Block and report harmful or inappropriate content on social media platforms.

By working together, we can help ensure that all children at Riverside develop the skills to enjoy the online world safely and responsibly. If you have any concerns or need further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the school.