Online Safety at Trentham Academy

At Trentham Academy, we are committed to helping pupils stay safe, responsible and respectful online. Through our curriculum and wider school approach, children learn how to make informed choices, protect themselves online and use technology positively.

What We Teach

Pupils are taught to:

• Stay safe when using the internet, apps, games and social media.
• Protect personal information and understand privacy settings.
• Recognise scams, fake websites, misinformation and online risks.
• Build positive and respectful online relationships.
• Understand the impact of their digital footprint and online behaviour.
• Identify and report cyberbullying, inappropriate content and unsafe contact.
• Seek help from trusted adults when they have concerns.

Supporting Children Online

We encourage pupils to:

• Think critically about what they see online.
• Treat others with kindness and respect.
• Keep passwords and personal information secure.
• Understand age restrictions on apps, games and websites.
• Balance screen time with healthy offline activities.
• Report anything online that makes them feel worried, unsafe or uncomfortable.

Working Together with Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online. We recommend regularly discussing online activity with your child, setting appropriate parental controls and encouraging open conversations about online experiences.

Parental Support:

• Internet Matters
• NSPCC
• Parent Zone

Student Support:

• BBC Own It
• Childline

Online Safety Support and resources are also available from:

• the CEOP Thinkuknow Programme
• the NCA’s Click CEOP
• National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE)
• UK Council for Internet Safety
• Education for a Connected World

If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, please contact the school for advice and support.

Online Safety Checklist for Parents and Carers

Use this simple checklist to help keep your child safe online:

✅ Talk regularly with your child about their online activities.

✅ Know which apps, games and websites your child is using.

✅ Check and use parental controls on devices, apps and broadband services.

✅ Ensure privacy settings are switched on and reviewed regularly.

✅ Encourage your child not to share personal information, passwords or photos with strangers online.

✅ Remind your child that not everyone online is who they say they are.

✅ Teach your child to think carefully before posting, commenting or sharing content.

✅ Encourage respectful behaviour online and discuss the impact of cyberbullying.

✅ Be aware of age restrictions for apps, games and social media platforms.

✅ Help your child recognise scams, fake websites and misleading information.

✅ Agree sensible screen time limits and encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

✅ Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult if anything online makes them feel worried, upset or unsafe.

Remember

STOP • THINK • CHECK • TALK

Before sharing online, encourage your child to:

• STOP and think before they click or post.
• THINK about whether the information is true and appropriate.
• CHECK privacy settings and who can see their content.
• TALK to a trusted adult if they are unsure or concerned.

If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, please contact the school. Together, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology safely and responsibly.

Further information about online safety can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teaching-online-safety-in-schools/teaching-online-safety-in-schools