Online Safety

Technology is changing all the time. New games, apps and websites are being constantly updated, as well as upgraded digital devices that we use to access them. With each new digital platform there are new risks and potential threats. Children are creating and uploading content to the internet through online gaming, social media and streaming sites. Their role is no longer passive. They are creating and shaping their own online world. E-safety is an area where we have seen a change during the last few years. Younger children are increasingly using technology in complex ways. Whilst their online skills are getting better, their knowledge and awareness of the inherent issues, risks and dangers remains low. It is our collective responsibility to better equip them for a digital world. We all have a responsibility to keep children and young people safe when they are online. Everyone has a part to play.

We must empower children and young people to keep themselves safe. Children will always push boundaries and take risks. Our job is to help them understand the risks of being online and teach them what to do if they feel threatened or unhappy with anything they see or hear. We must talk to them about their worries, set a good example when we are online and regularly check in with them to make sure they know we are there to support them.

Do you know how to keep your children safe online? At Overdale Infant School we are committed to discussing these serious issues as part of our e-safety curriculum, but we can only be successful if we work in partnership: pupils, parents and teachers. Each year we take part in Safer Internet Day (in February); this day aims to help inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2025 is:

“Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online”

It aims to promote awareness of safe internet use and encourage positive online behaviour.

At Overdale Infant School we feel it is important to start a conversation about safer internet use at an early age. There are further documents and links relating to safer internet use below which parents may find useful. We hope parents will make use of the signposts to other internet safety sites.