Always be careful when you are using the internet. It can help you to keep in touch with your friends and help your education – but it can also cause harm – to you and to others.

Remember help is always available at school if you are having any problems online.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher or another adult at school.

If you or anyone you know is worried about Child Exploitation, Online Protection or anything related to Internet safety please click the link below which will take you to the CEOP reporting website:

🌐 Wake Up Wednesday: Helping Children Stay Safe Online at Home

At our school, we are proud to support Wake Up Wednesday, a national initiative designed to equip parents and carers with the knowledge they need to help children navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

In today’s connected world, children are growing up surrounded by online platforms, mobile devices, apps, and games. While these technologies offer exciting opportunities for learning and socialising, they also come with risks that families need to understand and manage together.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why This Matters

Children are accessing the internet at younger ages than ever before, often using:

• Smartphones and tablets
• Gaming consoles
• Social media apps
• Messaging platforms

Without guidance, they may encounter:

• Inappropriate content
• Online bullying
• Privacy risks
• Misleading information or scams

This is why working in partnership with parents and carers is crucial.

💡 How Parents Can Support Children at Home

Here are some simple but effective ways you can help your child stay safe online:

✅ 1. Start Open Conversations

Talk regularly with your child about:

• What apps and websites they use
• Who they communicate with
• How they feel about their online experiences

Creating a safe space for discussion makes it easier for children to ask for help.

🔒 2. Set Up Parental Controls

Most devices, apps, and broadband providers offer parental control features to:

• Limit screen time
• Restrict inappropriate content
• Monitor app downloads

These tools are helpful but should be used alongside ongoing conversations.

📱 3. Know the Apps and Platforms

Take time to understand the apps your child uses, such as:

• Social media platforms
• Messaging apps
• Online games

Ask questions like:

• “What do you like about this app?”
• “Who can see what you post?”

⏱️ 4. Create Healthy Digital Habits

Encourage balance by:

• Setting screen time limits
• Having device-free times (e.g. before bed)
• Promoting offline activities

Good routines help children develop positive relationships with technology.

🚫 5. Teach Them to Stay Safe

Remind your child to:

• Keep personal information private
• Never share passwords
• Speak to a trusted adult if something feels wrong

Reassure them that they won’t be in trouble for asking for help.

🎯 Our Commitment

Through Wake Up Wednesday resources, we will continue to:

• Share up-to-date information about popular apps and online trends
• Provide practical guidance for families
• Support children in becoming responsible digital citizens

🤝 Working Together

Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility. By working together—school and home—we can ensure that children enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected from harm.

If you would like further advice or support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Helpful links to look at with your family

Tips for staying safe online:

• Make sure you keep new online friends strictly online. If someone you don't know asks to be your online friend you must ensure an adult knows about it.

• Know how to use the CEOP Button and how to report it to the CEOP Centre if you are concerned about someone’s online behaviour towards you.