Why Online Safety Matters

Children today are growing up in a digital world where technology is part of everyday life. While the internet offers fantastic opportunities for learning and creativity, it also brings risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online scams.

At Abercorn, we are committed to helping pupils stay safe online and supporting parents to guide their children in using technology responsibly.

Helpful Tips for Parents

Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your child safe online:

• Talk regularly about what they do online and encourage openness.
• Set boundaries for screen time and device use.
• Use parental controls on devices, apps, and broadband.
• Teach critical thinking – remind children not everything online is true.
• Know how to report concerns to the school or through official channels like CEOP

Useful Links for Parents

Explore these trusted resources for advice and guidance:

• Safeguarding Board NI Online Safety Hub

www.onlinesafetyhub.safeguardingni.org

• Education Authority Online Safety Guidance

www.eani.org.uk/school-management/safeguarding-and-child-protection/resources/online-safety

• NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online

www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety

• Childnet

www.childnet.com

• CEOP Education (Report Abuse)

www.ceopeducation.co.uk

• Internet Matters

www.internetmatters.org

School Policy

Our school has a clear Online Safety Policy to protect pupils and staff as well as an Acceptable Use Policy for how to safely use ICT devices within school. These can be made available to you upon request to the school office.

These policies outline how we manage technology use in school, including mobile phone guidelines and safe internet practices.

Reporting Concerns

If you are worried about your child’s online safety:

• Contact the school’s Designated Teacher (Mrs Harrison) or Deputy Designated Teacher (Mr McClelland) for Safeguarding.
• Report directly to CEOP: www.ceop.police.uk.
• For urgent concerns, contact the PSNI or NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000.