Online Safety (E-Safety) at Whitstone School
At Whitstone School, we recognise that technology plays an important role in students’ education and daily lives. While it offers many opportunities, it also presents risks.
We are committed to ensuring that all students learn how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.
Online safety is a key part of safeguarding and is embedded throughout school life in line with statutory guidance from the Department for Education, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Our Approach to Online Safety
We take a proactive and whole-school approach to online safety. This includes:
- Teaching students how to stay safe online
- Helping students develop digital resilience
- Protecting students through filtering and monitoring systems
- Supporting students and families with online issues
- Responding quickly to any online safety concerns
Online safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we work closely with staff, students, parents and external agencies.
How We Keep Students Safe Online
At Whitstone School we:
Use filtered and monitored internet systems in school
Regularly review online safety procedures
Train all staff in safeguarding and online risks
Educate students through PSHE, RSE and computing lessons
Promote safe and respectful online behaviour
Act on concerns in line with safeguarding procedures
What Students Learn
Students are taught about online safety throughout their time at school. Topics include:
- Protecting personal information
- Understanding privacy settings
- Recognising online risks and scams
- Cyberbullying and how to report it
- Healthy screen time habits
- Online relationships and consent
- Misinformation and fake news
- Gaming and online communities
This helps students to become confident, responsible digital citizens. Key Online Risks
Students may encounter a range of risks online. These are often grouped into four categories:
Content
Exposure to inappropriate or harmful material.
Contact
Interacting with others online who may pose a risk.
Conduct
Behaviour online, including bullying or sharing inappropriate content.
Commerce
Risks linked to scams, gambling or financial exploitation.
We teach students how to recognise and respond to all of these risks.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online or through digital devices.
At Whitstone School we:
- Take all incidents seriously
- Encourage students to report concerns
- Support those affected
- Take appropriate action in line with our Behaviour and Safeguarding policies
Students are reminded:
- Do not respond to harmful messages
- Save evidence (screenshots)
- Report concerns to a trusted adult
Support for Students
Students can speak to:
- their tutor
- a trusted member of staff
- the safeguarding team
- pastoral staff
They can also report concerns through the schools ePraise systems.
We promote a culture where students feel safe to speak up.
Support for Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play a vital role in keeping children safe online.
We recommend:
- Talking regularly with your child about their online activity
- Setting parental controls where appropriate
- Keeping devices in shared family spaces
- Encouraging positive online behaviour
- Knowing how to report concerns
- Checking your child devices and exploring their search history
We aim to support families by sharing guidance and resources.
Parental Controls and Guidance
Helpful steps include:
- Setting screen time limits
- Using privacy and safety settings on apps
- Setting age limits to ensure only appropriate context is accessibly
- Monitoring app downloads and age ratings
- Discussing online friendships and interactions
What To Do If You Have a Concern
If you are worried about online safety:
- Contact the school and ask to speak to the safeguarding team
- Report concerns to the relevant platform (social media, gaming site, etc.)
- If there is immediate danger or a risk of harm, contact emergency services (999)
Reporting Online Abuse
You can report concerns directly to:
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)
- NSPCC Helpline
These services provide advice and take action to protect children.
Useful Online Safety Links
You can include these as clickable buttons on your website:
- ThinkUKnow – www.thinkuknow.co.uk
- NSPCC Online Safety – www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
- Internet Matters – www.internetmatters.org
- UK Safer Internet Centre – www.saferinternet.org.uk
- Childline – www.childline.org.uk
- CEOP – www.ceop.police.uk
Working Together
Online safety is most effective when schools and families work together.
At Whitstone School we are committed to:
- Supporting students to make safe choices
- Providing guidance to families
- Responding effectively to concerns
- Creating a safe digital environment for all
👉 Visit our Safeguarding Page for more information about how we keep students safe.