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Online Safety

Online Safety and Technology Use: Guidance for Parents 

1. Introduction

At High Meadow Community School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, we recognise the importance of supporting children to use digital devices safely and responsibly. This guidance outlines our approach to online safety, the rationale behind our new smartphone policy, and practical advice for parents and staff.

2. Understanding Online Safety Risks

According to Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online safety risks fall into four key categories (the 4Cs):

  • Content: Exposure to harmful or inappropriate material such as pornography, extremist content, misinformation, and self-harm content.
  • Contact: Harmful interactions with others, including grooming, peer pressure, and inappropriate advertising.
  • Conduct: Risky online behaviour such as sharing explicit images, cyberbullying, and sexting.
  • Commerce: Risks from online gambling, scams, and inappropriate advertising.

Our school is committed to addressing these risks through a whole-school safeguarding approach, including filtering and monitoring systems on school devices and networks.

3. School Policy on Mobile and Smart Technology

  • From September next year, children will not be allowed to bring smartphones into school.
  • Year 6 children walking home independently must carry an analogue ('brick') phone only, which allows essential contact but has no internet access.
  • This policy aims to reduce the negative impact of excessive technology use on children’s behaviour, communication skills, and learning readiness.

4. Supporting Parents: Practical Advice

  • Monitor device use: Parental controls are helpful but not foolproof. Regularly check what your child is accessing and discuss their online activities openly.
  • Consider device needs: Reflect on whether your child truly needs a smartphone or if a simpler device would suffice for safety and communication.
  • Encourage balanced screen time: Encourage offline activities and set clear boundaries to prevent children from becoming overtired or exposed to inappropriate content.
  • Stay informed: Familiarise yourself with the platforms and apps your child uses. Use resources such as the UK Safer Internet Centre (https://saferinternet.org.uk) for guidance.

5. How the School Supports Online Safety

  • We have robust filtering and monitoring systems to block harmful content while supporting teaching and learning.
  • Staff receive regular training on online safety and safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Our curriculum includes teaching children about safe and responsible technology use.
  • We maintain open communication with parents about online safety and provide updates on relevant policies and resources.

6. Reporting Concerns

If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety or suspect harmful online behaviour, please contact the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately. For serious online threats, you can also report to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at https://apwg.org/.

7. Additional Resources for Parents and Staff

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