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Online Safety

Online safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Townville Academy . We have extensive security measures in place in school, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. Any online safety incidents are recorded and managed. Online safety is taught to all pupils explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online.

We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the Online Safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online.

Just as we want to keep our children safe in the ‘real’ offline world, we want to do the same in the virtual online world. It is important that we understand enough about the Internet to keep our children safe from harm but it is equally important that we equip our children with the skills they need to keep themselves safe so they can experience the Internet positively and responsibly.

What are the issues?

The internet – on the whole is an inspiring and positive place.

The internet is an amazing resource which enables children and young people to connect, communicate and be creative in a number of different ways, on a range of devices.

However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge.

You may sometimes feel that your children have better technical skills than you do, however children and young people still need advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online.

Issues that your child may encounter on the internet will vary depending on their age and online activities.

Need Help With Online Safety?

If you’re worried about something your child has experienced online, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to handle it by yourself.

You can contact school if you are worried and needs support and advice.  

You can also contact the Professionals Online Safety Helpline at UK Safer Internet Centre provides confidential, independent support to help resolve online safety concerns affecting children and young people.

When to Get in Touch

You can contact the helpline if you need support with issues such as:

  • Cyberbullying or online harassment

  • Nude image sharing / sexting concerns

  • Fake profiles or online impersonation

  • Social media problems

  • Gaming-related issues

  • Online exploitation or inappropriate content

  • Reporting harmful or illegal online material

If something online is causing worry, stress, or risk — it’s always okay to ask for help.

How It Works

  1. Email your concern to helpline@saferinternet.org.uk

  2. A trained professional will review your message confidentially.

  3. You’ll receive advice, guidance, and practical next steps to help resolve the issue.

The helpline is independent, free to use, and focused on supporting those working with children and young people.

You don’t need to have all the answers — just reach out.

📩 Email: helpline@saferinternet.org.uk
🌐 Learn more at the UK Safer Internet Centre

Resources for parents:

Meet Technosaurus. The NSPCC have developed Technosaurus to help you have those first conversations with your child about online safety.

Advice on social media & staying safe

Top tips for controlling your child’s screen time

How to set parental controls on popular children’s devices

Smartphones and other devices

Children are using devices at a younger age so it’s important to consider setting controls on their tech, or on any devices that you are letting them borrow from you. We’ve pulled together a number of guides to give you simple steps to set controls on a range of devices.

E-Safety Tips for Parents

InternetMatters.org is a not-for-profit organisation that has a simple purpose – to help keep children safe in the digital world.

Organisations and websites offering further information and support for online safety:

Be Share Aware – Keep your child safe online

We tell our children it’s good to share – but online it’s different. In fact sometimes sharing online can be dangerous. Being Share Aware will help keep your child safe online.

Watch and share a short film and take a look at some straightforward advice that will untangle the web, and give parents confidence in talking to their children about how to stay safe online.

Issues

Advice