Online Safety
Online Safety
Online Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at St Felix and forms part of our RSHE curriculum.
At school, we have extensive security measures in place in school, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. These operate like a shield, blocking access to unsuitable websites, images and text materials.
Our pupils are also taught about online safety with the emphasis on conduct, content, commerce and contact. Our Online Safety Team work with each other to present information on these areas and discuss current trends and issues with the Online Safety Leader.
Any Online Safety incidents are recorded and managed in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the Online Safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online. It is vital to monitor your child’s access to the internet and to work with them when searching for information.
How Can Parents Stay Informed and Support Their Children?
1. Start with Curiosity, Not Conflict
Instead of jumping to conclusions, ask open questions: “Hey, I read something about emoji meanings changing. Have you heard of this?” Keeping the tone casual can help build trust.
2. Create a Safe Space for Conversation
If your child feels they’ll be punished for sharing, they’re less likely to open up. Make it clear you’re there to listen, not just to criticise.
3. Learn Together
Ask your child to explain their digital world — what certain symbols mean, who they follow online, and why. Understanding their perspective can help you connect.
4. Encourage Critical Thinking
Help your child question what they see online. Ask things like: “Why do you think this group believes that?” or “Who’s benefiting from this message?” This empowers them to think critically rather than just following trends
5. Open Dialogue Over Secret Surveillance
Instead of quietly monitoring their activity, make online check-ins a normal part of family life. This builds trust and keeps conversations flowing.
6. Talk About Manipulation
Explain how some toxic groups use flattery or ‘insider knowledge’ to make young people feel special or important.
7. Boost Real-World Confidence
Children who feel valued, supported, and confident in everyday life are less likely to seek validation in dangerous online spaces.
The digital world moves fast, but staying informed and maintaining open conversations can make all the difference.
Find out more about sinister emojis via forworkingparents.com
Further help for parents can be found at:
E-Safety Tips for Parents – childnet.com
https://parentsafe.lgfl.net/ useful range of advice that is updated regularly about e-safety and beyond
https://www.internetmatters.org/
Search Engines
Please note that no search engine is ever 100% safe but below are some links to some “safer” search engines:
nICE nice.medialab.nl
Google offers a safer search option for children searching on the Internet click here to read more.
Pics4learning www.pics4learning.com
CEOP ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and ‘e’ world. Often it is referred to as an online 999. By clicking on the button, young people and parents can get advice on a range of issues such as viruses, hacking and dealing with bullying online.
The “Thinkuknow” website is brought to you by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre.
Kidsmart www.kidsmart.org.uk
Childnet www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Kidsmart and Childnet give lots of advice on how to stay safe online.