Online Safety

At Berkswell, we take online safety extremely seriously and ensure it is embedded throughout our Computing and PSHE curriculum. Our teaching helps pupils learn how to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and with growing independence. Alongside robust monitoring and filtering systems, we place strong emphasis on developing pupils’ skills to evaluate online content, understand its source and reliability, and protect themselves and others from harm.

Our aim is to develop digitally resilient learners who have the confidence, knowledge and attitudes needed to inspire all to shine: a core part of our school vision. Digital resilience means recognising when something online doesn’t feel right, knowing what to do, learning from experiences, and being able to recover from difficulties. This reflects our values of love (supporting one another online), togetherness (making safe choices as a community), and aspiration (using technology positively to grow and achieve).

We also recognise the vital role parents and carers play. We encourage open conversations at home about online behaviour, safe choices and responsible use of technology. Below, you will find a guide from National Online Safety that supports families in discussing a wide range of digital issues, including online safety and AI use.

By working together, we can create a safe, supportive and informed digital environment for every child at Berkswell.

• PDF- 10 tips for encouraging conversation at home
• PDF- Parent and carers guide
• PDF- Online Safety Tips for Children

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips

As parents and carers, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with cyberbullying and take steps to prevent it. One key tip is to monitor your child’s online activity regularly and have open conversations with them about the importance of being respectful and kind online.

Encouraging your child to only connect with people they know in real life and report any instances of cyberbullying to a trusted adult or authority figure can also help prevent this harmful behaviour.

Additionally, setting clear rules and boundaries around screen time and online interactions can create a safe and positive online environment for your child. By staying informed and involved in your child’s digital life, you can help protect them from the negative effects of cyberbullying.

Parental Controls

In today’s digital age, where children have access to various devices, it is important to implement parental controls to protect them from potential online dangers.

By setting restrictions and monitoring your child’s online activities, you can help create a safe and secure environment for them to explore the digital world.

We encourage all parents and carers of primary-age children to take advantage of parental control features available on devices. By working together, we can ensure that our children have a positive and enriching online experience while staying safe from harmful content.

Below are a series of guides for parents/carers to support them in putting age-appropriate parental controls on their devices to support their children.

• PDF- A guide to Home Internet Controls for Parents and Carers
• PDF- Parental Controls for Android Devices
• PDF- Parental Controls for Android Apps
• PDF- Parental Controls for Apple
• PDF- Parental Controls for iPhone and Apple Apps

Social Media and App Advice

Social media and apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing us with endless opportunities for communication and entertainment. However, it is important for parents and carers to be aware of the potential risks that come with using these platforms.

Ensuring your child’s safety while using social media and apps is crucial. It is important to educate them on the potential dangers and teach them how to use these platforms safely. Monitoring their online activity and setting boundaries can help protect them from harmful content and interactions.

Below are series of ‘guides’ that can provide parents/carers with the information they need to ensure the safe, age-appropriate and respectful use of social media and apps.

*Please note that the legal age for people to use the majority of social media sites is 13 and children under this age SHOULD NOT be using them.*

• PDF- Nintendo Switch
• PDF- PlayStation
• PDF- Roblox
• PDF- Xbox
• PDF- TikTok
• PDF- Instagram
• PDF- Whatsapp
• PDF- Youtube
• PDF- Social Media and Mental Health

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As parents and carers, it’s important to stay informed about the latest technologies that are shaping our world, including AI. One of our top priorities Berkswell is keeping children safe in an AI world.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, but it also comes with important considerations. At Berkswell, we are dedicated to educating our pupils about both the benefits and risks of AI, helping them develop the knowledge, critical thinking and digital responsibility needed to navigate this rapidly evolving technology safely. Our approach reflects our school vision of Love, Togetherness and Aspiration, inspiring all pupils to shine as thoughtful, compassionate and confident digital citizens. Through explicit teaching, guided exploration and age‑appropriate discussion, pupils learn how AI works, how to question the reliability of digital content, and how to use emerging technologies safely, respectfully and with purpose.

As parents and carers, you play a crucial role in helping your child stay safe in an AI world. By staying engaged with their online activities, setting boundaries and having open conversations about AI, you can ensure that your child is using technology responsibly and ethically. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our children to thrive in the digital world.