Online safety

The internet offers opportunities to learn, play, communicate and build friendships. We want our pupils to enjoy these opportunities with the support they need to stay safe.

 

Some children and young people with SEND may need additional help to recognise risks, understand online relationships or communicate when something is wrong. Support should reflect your child’s age, understanding and communication needs.

 

Helping your child stay safe

Spend time together exploring the apps, games and websites your child enjoys. Regular, relaxed conversations can help you understand their online experiences and make it easier for them to ask for help.

 

Explore these questions together:

• Where do you go online? Which apps, games and websites do you use?

• Who do you talk to or play with?

• What do you enjoy doing? Has anything made you feel worried, uncomfortable or confused?

 

Your child may find it easier to show you than to explain. Use pictures, symbols, signing or their communication system where helpful.

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Practical steps at home

• Check age ratings and whether content and features are suitable for your child.

• Review privacy settings, location sharing and who can contact them.

• Set up parental controls on devices, apps and your home internet connection. These help reduce risks but do not replace supervision and regular conversations.

• Agree routines for using devices, including using shared spaces where appropriate.

• Help your child understand what information should stay private, including passwords, their address and school details.

• Practise how to stop an interaction, block or report someone, and ask a trusted adult for help.

 

Reassure your child that they can tell you if something goes wrong, even if they have clicked on something, shared information or broken an agreed rule.

 

If you are worried

Stay calm, listen and reassure your child that they have done the right thing by telling you.

• If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

• To report concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming, visit the CEOP Safety Centre.

• If you are worried about a pupil at Cedars, telephone their school office and ask for the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a deputy. See our Safeguarding page.

 

Low Fell: 0191 487 4595
High Heworth: 0191 691 3581

 

For urgent concerns, please telephone rather than relying on a message through the school app. Do not wait for a response from school if a child is in immediate danger.

 

Advice for parents and carers

CEOP Education provides advice about protecting children from online sexual abuse, having conversations and getting help.

Internet Matters provides practical guides to apps, games, parental controls and supporting children with SEND online.

NSPCC online safety advice covers online risks, talking to children and setting up devices safely.