Advice for Keeping Children Safe Online
The internet plays an important role in children’s education, communication and leisure. While it offers many benefits, it is important that children are supported to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.
The information and links below are provided to help parents understand online risks, age restrictions, and how to keep children safe when using the internet, social media, apps and online games.
Trusted Online Safety Resources
NSPCC – Online Safety
Advice for parents on social media, gaming, apps, privacy settings and online risks, with guidance by age group.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Childnet
Clear, parent-friendly guides covering online safety, cyberbullying and digital wellbeing.
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/
UK Safer Internet Centre
Advice about current online safety issues, reporting concerns and protecting children online.
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
Internet Matters
Step-by-step guidance on parental controls, screen time, gaming, apps and social media.
https://www.internetmatters.org/
The 2 Johns - eSafety Training
Online safety training and guidance for parents, carers and professionals, covering current risks and practical strategies.
https://esafetytraining.org/
Wake Up Wednesday
Weekly online safety guides highlighting current apps, games and online risks. These are shared regularly by the school to help parents stay informed about emerging issues.
https://nationalcollege.com/wakeupwednesday/
Age Ratings for Popular Apps and Games
Many apps, games and online platforms have minimum age requirements. These age limits are set by the companies themselves and are intended to help protect children from inappropriate content and contact.
Parents are encouraged to be aware of these age restrictions and to check which platforms their child is accessing.
Social Media & Messaging Apps
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WhatsApp – Minimum age 13
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Instagram – Minimum age 13
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Snapchat – Minimum age 13
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TikTok – Minimum age 13
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Facebook – Minimum age 13
Video & Streaming Platforms
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YouTube – Minimum age 13
(YouTube Kids is designed for younger children)
Online Games & Gaming Platforms
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Roblox – Recommended 7+ (ratings vary by game)
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Fortnite – PEGI 12
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Minecraft – PEGI 7
Important Information
Age ratings do not guarantee safety. Even age-appropriate platforms may include:
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In-app messaging or chat features
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Contact with strangers
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User-generated content
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In-game purchases
Privacy settings and parental controls should be checked regularly.
Online Activity Outside of School
The school is aware of an increase in issues that can arise from children’s online activity outside of school hours, including the use of social media, messaging apps, online games and group chats.
Online access to devices, apps and platforms outside of school is managed by parents and carers. As a result, issues that occur online outside of school hours are usually best addressed at home and, where appropriate, directly with the platform involved.
In some instances, online activity outside of school may have an impact on pupils’ wellbeing or relationships during the school day. Where this is the case, the school will support pupils in managing the impact in school. However, the school is not able to investigate or become directly involved in incidents that take place outside of school hours or off the school site.
Parents are encouraged to monitor online use, be aware of age restrictions, and contact the school if they are concerned about how an online issue may be affecting their child in school.
Reporting Online Safety Concerns
If you are concerned about a child’s online safety:
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Concerns can be reported directly to the website, app or game involved
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Serious concerns can be reported to CEOP
https://www.ceop.police.uk/
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Parents may also contact the school for advice or support
