Online Safety

We live in a technological world which is constantly developing and progressing. Children now have access to multiple electronic devices from an increasingly early age which provides them with the ability to connect to others quickly and easily.

This connectivity can have huge benefits allowing the world to be a smaller place with communities communicating in ways impossible before computers and mobile technology. However, being online can have its challenges. Without the support of trusted adults, children can be extremely vulnerable to inappropriate material and to those who would look to harm them.

At Harlow Green, we understand our responsibilities in educating children to learn about online safety so that they can, without fear, use this invaluable resource to learn about themselves and the world around them as well as keeping in touch with friends and family.

Through the curriculum, particularly in computing and PSHE, children are taught directly about the dangers associated with being online and how to reduce the risks. The curriculum adapts as new technology develops but is regular and age appropriate.

Curriculum Overview

How can parents/carers develop their understanding of how to keep children safe online?

In this everchanging world of IT, we understand that keeping up-to-date is difficult, especially when there is a wealth of information to navigate. Consequently, at Harlow Green, we provide regular guidance, on a range of topics, which we feel can be supportive for families.

Keeping SMART online is essential at all times and this poster is an easy way to summarise how everyone should behave online and what to do if something worries us. Families can discuss the rules and agree how IT should be used in their households in order to keep everybody safe.

Below are additional guidance posters sent to parents/carers in recent months.

PASTE HERE

What is the government advice?

The government are now beginning to provide clearer guidance in the context of growing understanding through experience and research. This has led to guidance for parents/carers in relation to screen time for children up to 5-years-old which can be accessed via the link below.

Baby and toddler screen time guidance - Best Start in Life

In June 2026, the UK government made the decision to implement a ban on social media for under 16s. Alongside this, certain harmful features on other online services like livestreaming and strangers contacting children will be restricted for under 18s.

This decision will mean that children in primary schools should not be accessing a range of apps and platforms because they are not in a position to manage them appropriately or safely, as well as the consideration of how much screen time is impacting brain development and mental well-being.

The following link will direct families to the summary 'fact sheet' to explain the changes that are planned for final implementation in spring 2027.

Fact Sheet: New Rules to Protect Children Online

Further Government guidance can be found via the Kids Online Safety Campaign which provides practical information from trusted places to help parents and carers feel more confident on the steps that can taken to protect children online. Please click on the button below to be redirected to the site.

Kids Online Safety - Government Campaign

Additional Resources

Below are links to various professional websites which families may find useful. These sites will provide lots of information for both parents and children covering a wide range of online aspects. We hope these can be helpful but if there is any support that we may be able to provide to support your child, please contact the class teacher.

Barnardo's - Keeping Children Safe Online

CEOP

Childnet

Internet Matters

NSPCC Keeping Children Safe Online

Safer Internet Centre

Latest Research

We know that increasing research is being completed in this field and that this will provide more understanding of how to manage technology with our children. Where this becomes available, we will provide the papers and summaries to allow families the opportunity to build their knowledge so that they can make informed choices.