E-safety

E-Safety for Parents & Carers

At Chestnut Park School, we are committed to helping our children become safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens. Technology is a powerful tool for learning, creativity and communication – but it also comes with risks. That’s why we believe strong partnerships between home and school are vital in teaching children how to navigate the digital world safely.

💬 What is E-Safety?

E-safety (or online safety) means protecting children and young people when they are using digital devices – including smartphones, tablets, games consoles and computers – to access the internet, apps, games, or social media.

It’s about:

Staying safe online
Understanding the risks
Knowing how to respond if something goes wrong

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How You Can Support Your Child at Home

Here are some simple ways to help your child stay safe and confident online:

1. Talk Openly and Often

Keep an ongoing conversation about what they’re doing online.
Ask questions like “What apps are you using?” or “Who do you play games with online?”
Let them know they can come to you if anything makes them feel uncomfortable.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Agree family rules for screen time, gaming, and social media.
Keep devices in shared family spaces, especially for younger children.
Use age-appropriate parental controls and filters.

3. Know the Apps and Games

Familiarise yourself with the apps, games and platforms your child uses.
Check age ratings and read reviews — what might seem harmless could include chat features or in-app purchases.

4. Be a Role Model

Show positive digital behaviour by using devices respectfully and mindfully.
Share how you stay safe online too — children learn by example.

5. Report and Block

Teach your child how to block users and report inappropriate content.
Encourage them never to share personal information (full name, school, address, photos) online.

🔧 Useful Tools and Resources

Thinkuknow – age-appropriate guidance and games from the UK’s CEOP team
Internet Matters – expert advice for parents on a wide range of e-safety topics
NSPCC: Online Safety – tips on setting up parental controls and talking to children about online risks
Common Sense Media – reviews of apps, games and media by age group

🧠 What We Do in School

We teach e-safety through our computing and PSHE curriculum, assemblies and workshops. Children learn about:

How to spot and respond to cyberbullying
Keeping personal information private
Respectful behaviour online
The impact of screen time on wellbeing

We also respond quickly and supportively to any concerns raised by children, parents or staff.

📞 Need Help or Advice?

If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s online activity, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or a member of our safeguarding team.

Supporting your child on line

Parent / Carer Guides

The Online Together Project is a joint initiative between Internet Matters and Samsung to help all young people and their parents and carers develop their critical thinking skills and promote a positive and inclusive culture online. Why is it important? In an ever connected world, it is important to support young people to understand others’ viewpoints, to challenge negative preconceptions and help young people feel empowered and supported in their experiences with others online.