As children move up through the school their access to various types of technology increases and it stands to reason that their exploration and curiosity increases too. The positives of the digital world overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives but children, schools and parents all need to be aware of various online risks. At St Michael's we teach children about online safety in every year group at an age appropriate level as part of the Computing and PSHE curriculum. The safe use of social media and the internet will also be covered in other subjects, where relevant. We use worship time to raise pupils’ awareness of the dangers that can be encountered online and may also invite speakers to talk to pupils about this.

How can parents and carers support? 

Online safety lessons will look at: 

• social media and other online behaviour, how to be a good friend online

• how to report bullying, misuse, intimidation or abuse. 

Parents and carers,  can best support this by talking to their children about:

• The apps, sites and games they use (you don’t need to know them – ask your child to explain it to you),

• Who they use them with

• For how long

• When they use them (late at night / in bedrooms is not helpful for a good night’s sleep and productive teaching and learning at school the next day!) 

We want to work with parents and carers on online safety matters, and regularly update this page with up to date and relevant information to help you keep your children safe online.  Please see the school's Policy pages for more information regarding Online Safety and the school's Mobile Phone Policy.