Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility between school and home. At Lancasterian, we work closely with parents and carers to help children use technology safely, responsibly and confidently, both in school and beyond. We aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to make positive choices online and know where to seek help if something worries them.
Online safety goes beyond using the internet. It includes all digital technologies such as computers, games consoles (e.g. Xbox or PlayStation), mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and other connected devices — including the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms
What we teach at Lancasterian
Online safety is taught as part of our wider safeguarding and curriculum provision. We support pupils to become responsible digital citizens by teaching them:
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Safe use: how to navigate online environments safely and what action to take if they encounter harmful, inappropriate, or upsetting content
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Protecting privacy: how to keep personal data private and understand the risks of sharing information online
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Respectful behaviour: how to communicate appropriately online, recognise unacceptable behaviour, and respond to concerns such as cyberbullying (linked to our behaviour and anti-bullying policies)
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Managing risk: how to recognise potential online risks, including contact from strangers, misleading information, and AI-generated content
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Critical thinking: how to question what they see online, including understanding that not everything online (including AI-generated content) is accurate or trustworthy
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Balanced use: how to use technology in a healthy and proportionate way
Why this matters
Children use digital technology every day to learn, communicate, create and have fun. The online world offers many benefits, but it can also present challenges and risks.
Children may come across inappropriate content, misinformation, online scams, unwanted contact or content generated using artificial intelligence (AI). As technology continues to evolve, it is important that children develop the skills to think critically, make informed choices and seek support when needed.
Research consistently shows that children are more likely to stay safe online when they can talk openly with trusted adults. Regular conversations at home remain one of the most effective ways to support online safety.
Six top tips for parents and carers
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Take an active interest in the games, apps, and platforms your child uses — explore them together where possible, including any AI tools they may access
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Check age ratings (e.g. PEGI) and review privacy and safety settings before use
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Set clear expectations and boundaries around screen time and device use
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Encourage use of devices in shared family spaces to support supervision
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Be aware of communication features (chat/voice) and know how to block or report concerns
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Monitor and manage in-app purchases, including checking whether payment details are linked
If your child experiences anything online that concerns or upsets them, encourage them to stop engaging, save any evidence where appropriate (such as screenshots), and speak to a trusted adult straight away.
If needed, concerns should be reported to the school so that appropriate safeguarding support can be provided.
By working together, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while developing the knowledge, resilience and confidence needed to stay safe in an ever-changing digital world.
Social Media
What parents educators need to know about whatsapp
YouTube
YouTube Kids
Top tips for safety on social media
Snapchat
Instagram
TikTok
Devices
Apple iPads
Parental controls for iPhone apps
Amazon Fire Tablets
Nintendo Switch 2
Xbox Series X - S
PlayStation 5
Gaming
Fortnite 2
Live Streaming
Setting boundaries around gaming
What parents and educators need to know about Roblox
NSPCC
Protecting Children from Radicalisation
NSPCC Share aware guide
Keeping children safe online
Talking to children about AI | NSPCC
Parentzone
Parentzone
The 6 apps and services that every parent should know about
Parentzone and Online Safety resources, magazines and guides
Everything you need to know about online gaming
Other Useful Guides
Parent Safe
Think U Know
Vodafone Digital Parenting
BBC parents
Common Sense Media guide for parents
Guidance from the Department of Education on cyberbullying
Educate against Hate Website looking at tackling extremism and radicalisation
What parents need to know about online challenges
How to spot fake news
Managing screen time
Results of the LGfL online safety survey