Social media (including all apps, sites and games that allow sharing and interaction between users) is a fact of modern life, and as a school, we accept that many parents, staff and pupils will use it. However, as stated in our acceptable use policy, which all members of the school community sign, we expect everybody to behave in a positive manner, engaging respectfully with the school and each other on social media, in the same way as they would face to face.

Please follow the link below to access resources to help support you and your child, when it comes to all matters e safety

https://parentsafe.lgfl.net/

At Oliver Goldsmith School, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority, both in the classroom and online. In line with the Department for Education’s (DfE) updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidance and the Filtering and Monitoring Standards, we are writing to share how we protect your child while they use school technology.

Filtering and monitoring letter to parents May 2026

SAFER INTERNET DAY 2026

Week of Monday 9th – Friday 13th February 2026

Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI

 

Welcome to Our Safer Internet Week!

Here at Oliver Goldsmith, we are committed to helping our children navigate the online world safely and responsibly. This year’s Safer Internet Day theme focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how we can all make smart, safe choices when using technology.

Throughout the week, children will participate in age-appropriate activities, discussions, and learning experiences designed to empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe online.

What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day is a global event celebrated in over 170 countries worldwide. It aims to promote the safe, responsible, and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

This year, we’re exploring how AI is part of our daily lives – from voice assistants like Alexa and Siri to chatbots, smart toys, and much more. Our goal is to help children understand AI and use it safely.

Our School Activities

Whole School Assembly – Tuesday 10th February

Time: 10:00 AM

Theme: Introduction to AI and Smart Choices Online

Our assembly will introduce the week’s theme and help children understand what AI is in a fun, engaging way. We’ll explore examples of AI they might already use and discuss how to make safe choices.

Parent Workshop – Thursday 12th February from 9 – 11am

We invite parents/carers to join us for a discussion about online safety and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – its benefits and risks. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is very much a part of all our lives today, shaping how we live and learn. Our aim is to continue supporting parents/carers as children navigate AI integrated technology in school and at home.

We invite you to come with some questions or concerns you have about technology, online safety and AI. We’ll explore these together during the workshop.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Year Group Activities Throughout the Week

 

EYFS & Year 1       Meet the Smart Helpers

Children will learn about voice assistants and smart toys through stories and role-play. We’ll discuss:

  • What makes technology ‘smart’?
  • Asking a grown-up before using voice assistants
  • Being kind when we talk to others online

Year 2 and 3     Chatbot Conversations

Interactive sessions exploring how chatbots work and when it’s appropriate to use them:

  • What is a chatbot?
  • The difference between talking to AI and talking to real people
  • When to ask for help from an adult

Year 4 and 5      AI Detective Challenge

Children will investigate AI-generated content and learn critical thinking skills:

  • Spotting AI-generated images and text
  • Understanding how AI learns from data
  • Privacy and personal information online
  • Class debate: ‘Is AI helpful or harmful?

Year 6       Ethics and AI Workshop

Older children will explore deeper questions about AI and digital citizenship:

  • Ethical considerations of AI technology
  • Digital footprints and online reputation
  • Misinformation and deepfakes
  • Creating a class charter for responsible AI use

 

 

Class Discussions and Debates

Each class will have dedicated time for age-appropriate discussions about:

  • Personal experiences with technology and AI
  • Questions and concerns about using smart devices
  • Positive ways technology helps us learn and connect
  • How to report concerns or ask for help

 

Top Tips for Families

Start Conversations Early

Talk openly with your children about their online experiences. Make it a regular conversation, not a one-time talk.

Explore Together

Use technology alongside your child. Ask them to show you their favorite apps, games, or websites.

Set Boundaries

Establish clear rules about screen time, which devices can be used, and when. Be consistent and age-appropriate.

Privacy Matters

Teach children not to share personal information online, including their name, address, school, or photos without permission.

Know Where to Go for Help

Make sure your child knows they can always talk to you or another trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.

Be AI Aware

Help children understand that AI can make mistakes and that not everything they read or see online is accurate or safe.

 

Helpful Resources

Official Safer Internet Day 2026 Resources  

    • Free education packs, assembly plans, and activity sheets from the UK Safer Internet Centre

Parents and Carers Advice Hub

    • Comprehensive guides on various online safety topics including social media, gaming, and screen time

Thinkuknow (CEOP Education)

    • Age-appropriate resources to help children stay safe online from the National Crime Agency

Childnet International

    • Resources for young people, parents, and teachers on a wide range of online safety issues

Internet Matters

    • Expert advice and resources for parents to keep children safe in the digital world

NSPCC Online Safety

    • Guidance on keeping children safe online and what to do if you have concerns

 

Where to Get Help

If your child experiences something concerning online:

  • Report to School: Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead Ms Tirvengadum
  • Report Harmful Content: Report Harmful Content online
  • Childline: 0800 1111 (free, confidential helpline for children)
  • CEOP: Report online abuse to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command

 

Get Involved

We encourage all families to participate in Safer Internet Week. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Attend our Parent Workshop on Thursday 12th February at 9:00am
  • Talk to your children about what they’re learning at school
  • Review your home digital safety settings and parental controls

Safer Internet Day 2025

Protecting Yourself from Online Scams

Date: 11th February 2025

Theme: “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”

Safer Internet Day 2025 tackles a critical issue facing young people today: online scams. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year’s event focuses on:

  • The real scale of online scams
  • Protecting oneself and others
  • Understanding available support

Emerging Questions

  • How will changing technologies affect online scams?
  • What role can government and internet industries play?
  • What changes do young people want to see for better protection?

Technological Challenges

  • Exploring how generative AI impacts scamming approaches
  • Considering future scam prevention methods

How Families Can Help

  1. Open communication about online experiences
  2. Learn about common scam tactics together
  3. Teach critical thinking and verification skills
  4. Discuss reporting mechanisms for suspicious content

 

 

UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk

Empowering Digital Citizens, One Safe Click at a Time

We believe it’s important to keep our children safe online, and we encourage you to work with us to ensure they have a positive and secure digital experience both at school and at home.

At Oliver Goldsmith, our vision is a school community that embraces the use of different technologies to enhance learning and thinking, as well as teaching all of our children how to be safe and responsible digital citizens who make informed decisions about their actions online.

Children are taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, keeping personal information private; they recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and can identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

We believe that regular, open conversations between parents, carers and children about using the internet is ultimately the best way to keep children safe online. While there are huge benefits to being online, it is important to be aware that any time children use the internet, they face some potential risks. We believe understanding what your child is doing online helps keep them safe online: make talking about what they do online a normal part of everyday life, rather than something that only happens when there’s a problem or issue.

In this day and age, online safety has to be more than a reminder not to speak to strangers online. As children begin to navigate the internet and use it in different ways as they grow older, their own personal conduct online is also an area where they need guidance. We believe it is important to teach children about both the technological, and social and emotional aspects of being safe and successful online.

  1. Filtered Internet Access: Our school uses secure networks with filtered access, blocking harmful and inappropriate content.
  2. Supervised Online Activities: Teachers closely supervise all online activities in the classroom, ensuring students only access appropriate content.
  3. E-Safety Lessons: We follow the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) TEACH Computing curriculum which currently covers all the requirements in the National Curriculum for online safety. Lessons focus on online safety, helping children understand the importance of privacy, safe browsing, and responsible communication.
  4. Digital Citizenship Education: We teach children about respect and kindness in digital interactions to foster a positive and respectful online environment.
  5. Cyberbullying Prevention: Our anti-bullying policy includes guidelines for cyberbullying. Students are encouraged to report any issues, and staff are trained to handle these situations with sensitivity and urgency.
  1. Open Communication: Talk to your child regularly about their online activities and experiences, including uncomfortable encounters. Encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns. Being open helps build trust so they feel comfortable approaching you with concerns.
  2. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear rules about screen time , permissible content and online behavior. Supervise their online activities, especially for younger children. Designate “offline” times to encourage a healthy balance.
  3. Use Parental Controls: Many devices and apps have built-in parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content. Setting these controls can add an extra layer of security for your child.
  4. Teach Critical Thinking:  Help your child understand that not everything they see online is true. Encourage them to think critically about the information they encounter.
  5. Encourage Smart Privacy Habits: Teach children to keep personal information private. Explain why they should avoid sharing personal details, like their full name, address, or school.
  6. Be a Positive Role Model: Model responsible online behavior for your child. Show children the importance of respectful and mindful communication. How you interact online sets an example they are likely to follow. Limit your own screen time and be mindful of your digital footprint.
  7. Be Aware of Apps and Games: Know which apps and games your child is using. Some may have hidden risks, such as chatting features that connect them with strangers. Common apps parents should review include social media apps, gaming platforms, and messaging services.
  1. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) – Provides guidance on talking to children about online safety, including resources for reporting concerns. Learn more on their website.
  2. Internet Matters – A resource dedicated to helping parents keep children safe online with age-specific advice. Visit Internet Matters.
  3. ThinkUKnow – Developed by the UK National Crime Agency, this site provides excellent guides on a range of e-safety topics. Check out ThinkUKnow.
  4. Common Sense Media – Offers reviews and guidance on apps, games, and media to help parents make informed choices. Visit Common Sense Media.
  1. ThinkUKnow – Kids Section

ThinkUKnow’s website for children includes age-specific content (5-7, 8-10, and 11-13) with videos, games, and advice on online safety. The resources cover topics like safe chatting, keeping personal information private, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

Visit ThinkUKnow for Kids: thinkuknow.co.uk

  1. Internet Matters – Learn About Online Safety Through Games

Internet Matters offers resources for both parents and children, including interactive games that teach about online privacy, bullying, and digital citizenship. Their activities engage kids in scenarios they might encounter online, helping them make safe choices.

Visit Internet Matters Kids Section: internetmatters.org

  1. CyberSprinter by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

CyberSprinter is a fast-paced, game-based resource developed by the NCSC for children aged 7-11. Players race to complete tasks, all while learning how to protect their personal information, create strong passwords, and stay safe online.

Play CyberSprinter: ncsc.gov.uk

  1. Be Internet Awesome by Google

Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” program has an interactive game called Interland, where kids explore four different worlds to learn about online kindness, safety, privacy, and security. The game presents real-life situations in a fun, colorful, and kid-friendly way.

Play Interland: beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com

  1. CBBC – Stay Safe on the Internet

CBBC’s website has videos, quizzes, and articles on staying safe online, made especially for children. The interactive content includes advice on managing screen time, avoiding cyberbullying, and practicing safe social media habits.

Visit CBBC Stay Safe: bbc.co.uk/cbbc

  1. NetSmartz Kids

NetSmartz Kids offers games, videos, and e-books that teach kids how to stay safe online. Their Webville Outlaws series, for instance, uses cartoon characters to explain online safety tips in an entertaining and accessible way.

Visit NetSmartz Kids: netsmartzkids.org

  1. Safer Internet Centre – KidSmart

The UK Safer Internet Centre’s KidSmart page offers downloadable activities, games, and quizzes. It includes helpful information on managing online friendships, avoiding scams, and setting secure passwords.

Visit KidSmart: saferinternet.org.uk

 

What to Do If You Have Concerns

If you notice concerning online behavior or suspect your child is experiencing cyberbullying or other risks online, please don’t hesitate to contact our school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. We’re here to support you and work together to address any concerns.

Let’s Work Together for a Safer Online World for Our Children

Thank you for your ongoing support in teaching our students about online safety. Together, we can help them become responsible, informed, and secure digital citizens.