What Is E-Safety?

E-Safety refers to the safe and responsible use of digital technologies—including computers, mobile phones, tablets, and gaming devices. As children increasingly use the internet for learning, communication, and entertainment, it’s vital that they understand how to stay safe online without limiting their creativity or access to opportunities.

At Severnbanks, we are committed to helping pupils navigate the digital world confidently and securely. We teach children how to use technology responsibly, protect their personal information, and recognise potential risks.

🌐 Why the Internet and Digital Communication Matter

The internet is a powerful tool for learning, collaboration, and exploration. It plays a key role in modern education, and we ensure that pupils have safe, high-quality access as part of their learning experience.

• Internet use is part of the statutory curriculum and supports learning across all subjects.

• Pupils are taught what responsible internet use looks like and how to stay safe online.

• Our school internet is filtered and monitored to protect pupils from inappropriate content.

• Children learn how to research effectively, evaluate information, and present their ideas online.

• We encourage pupils to be respectful digital citizens and to think critically about what they see and share.

📱 Social Media & Communication App Awareness

Social media platforms and messaging apps like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, WhatsApp, and others offer exciting ways for children to connect, share, and communicate. However, most of these platforms are designed for users aged 13 and over, and underage use can expose children to a range of risks.

Children using these platforms may face:

• Exposure to inappropriate advertising and content

• Contact from strangers or fake profiles

• Unmoderated language, images, and videos that may be offensive or harmful

• Pressure to share personal information or photos

• Risk of cyberbullying, grooming, or online exploitation

• Reduced privacy due to incorrect age settings or lack of awareness

• Use of disappearing messages or images (e.g. on Snapchat) that make monitoring difficult

• Participation in group chats (e.g. on WhatsApp) where content may be unfiltered or peer pressure is high

We urge parents and carers to make informed decisions about their child’s use of social media and communication apps. Open conversations, regular monitoring, and clear boundaries can help children stay safe while enjoying the benefits of digital connection.

👨‍👩‍👧 Tips for Parents and Carers

If you choose to allow your child to use social media, we strongly recommend the following:

• ✅ Set profiles to private so only approved friends can view content

• ✅ Monitor your child’s activity and discuss safe online behaviour

• ✅ Encourage them not to share personal details or post inappropriate content

• ✅ Install the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Report Abuse button

• ✅ Make sure they understand these key rules:

  • Keep your profile private

  • Never accept friend requests from people you don’t know

  • Don’t post anything that reveals your identity

  • Only share content you’d be happy for your parents to see

  • Never agree to meet someone you’ve only met online

  • Always tell a trusted adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable

    🧠 Digital Wellbeing & Screen Time

    E-Safety isn’t just about avoiding risks—it’s also about promoting healthy habits. We encourage families to talk about:

  • Setting time limits for screen use

  • Taking regular breaks from devices

  • Balancing online activities with offline hobbies and social time

  • Creating tech-free zones or times (e.g. during meals or before bed)

  • Asking your child what apps they use and what they enjoy online

  • Talking about what to do if something makes them feel uncomfortable

  • Reassuring them that they won’t be in trouble for speaking up

  • Encouraging critical thinking about what they see and share online

  • 🛠️ Tools & Resources for Parents

    We recommend all parents visit theCEOP Think U Know website for up-to-date guidance on keeping children safe online.

  • Parental controls for devices, apps, and home Wi-Fi

  • Guides for setting privacy settings on popular platforms

  • Age-appropriate search engines and content filters

  • Links to trusted organisations like:

    • NSPCC Online Safety

    • Internet Matters

    • Childnet

    • Think U Know

    • Take a look at the Wake Up Guides from the National College below

  • Helping children develop a balanced relationship with technology supports their mental health, sleep, and focus.

    🗣️ Open Conversations Matter

    Children are more likely to stay safe online when they feel they can talk openly with trusted adults. We recommend:

Together, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while staying safe, respectful, and responsible in the digital world.