As the William Henry School’s Online Safety Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, I see every day just how central the online world has become to our students’ lives.

From learning and socialising to exploring their interests, the internet offers incredible opportunities.

But with those opportunities come risks; and that’s why Safer Internet Day is such an important moment in our safeguarding calendar.

This year’s theme reminds us that online safety isn’t a standalone issue. It is safeguarding. The same principles that guide how we protect children offline :- awareness, communication, boundaries, and trusted relationships all apply equally to the digital spaces our young people use every day. When we talk about keeping children safe, we must include the apps they use, the games they play, the content they see, and the people they interact with online.

Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our students. By working together, school, families, and young people, we can help them build the knowledge, confidence, and resilience young people need to navigate the online world safely.

Below are six simple but powerful tips to support safer online experiences at home:

1. Talk early, talk often

Open conversations are one of the strongest protective factors. Ask children what they enjoy online, who they interact with, and how certain apps make them feel. Keeping communication open means they’re far more likely to come to you if something worries them.

2. Know the platforms they use

You don’t need to be a tech expert, but having a basic understanding of the apps, games, and websites your child uses helps you spot risks and set appropriate boundaries. Many platforms have built‑in safety settings - explore them together.

3. Set clear expectations

Agree on rules around screen time, privacy, sharing images, and communicating with others. Children feel safer when they know what’s expected of them and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

4. Protect personal information

Remind children never to share personal details such as their full name, school, address, or passwords. Encourage them to think carefully before posting photos or videos, once something is online, it can be difficult to remove.

5. Use parental controls wisely

Filters, privacy settings, and parental controls can be helpful tools, especially for younger children. They’re not replacement for supervision or conversation, but they do add an extra layer of protection.

6. Encourage critical thinking

Not everything online is true, kind, or safe. Help children question what they see, recognise when something feels “off,” and understand that they can always speak to a trusted adult if they’re unsure.

Working Together to Keep Children Safe

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and online safety is a vital part of that shared commitment. As a school, we will continue to educate, support, and empower our students to make positive choices online. We encourage all families to join us in reinforcing these messages at home.

If you ever have concerns about your child’s online activity or would like further guidance, please reach out. We’re here to help on Safer Internet Day, and every day.