Online Safety
At Rathfern Primary, we are committed to ensuring that all our pupils learn how to stay safe online. The internet is a fantastic resource for learning and creativity, but it also comes with risks. Our approach to online safety is embedded across the curriculum and supported by dedicated events and resources.
Understanding Online Risks: The 4Cs Framework
Children face four main types of online safety threats, known as the 4Cs:
- Content – Exposure to harmful or inappropriate material (e.g., violence, extremist views, misinformation).
- Contact – Interaction with risky individuals, including grooming or exploitation.
- Conduct – Online behaviour such as cyberbullying, oversharing personal information, or engaging in harmful challenges.
- Commerce – Financial risks like scams, gambling, or in-app purchases.
This framework helps us teach children how to recognise and manage these risks effectively.
How We Teach Online Safety
Online safety is woven into our curriculum through:
- SCARF PSHE Scheme – Promoting safe and responsible choices online.
- Purple Mash Computing – Developing digital literacy and understanding online behaviour.
- Natterhub – Teaching social media awareness and safe communication.
- Safer Internet Day – A whole-school event focusing on current online safety themes.
- Digital Detox Week & Unplugged Day – Encouraging healthy screen time habits and offline activities.
Keeping Safe at Home
At home, children may sometimes have unsupervised access to the internet. This can expose them to a wide range of content and interactions—both positive and negative. Parents play a vital role in supporting safe and responsible online behaviour.
Here are some tips to help keep your child safe online:
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Keep devices in shared spaces
Place computers, tablets, or gaming consoles in family areas rather than bedrooms. This encourages open use and makes it easier to supervise. -
Have open conversations
Talk regularly with your child about what they do online. Ask questions like:
“What games do you enjoy?” or “Who do you chat with?”
Avoid making the internet feel like a secret or something to hide—open dialogue builds trust. -
Set clear boundaries
Agree on rules for screen time, appropriate websites, and apps. Involve your child in creating these rules so they feel part of the decision-making. -
Use parental controls
Parental controls can help manage what children access online and how long they spend on devices. See our Parental Controls section for video guides. -
Check privacy settings
Ensure privacy settings on apps and games are regularly reviewed so your child’s information is not visible to strangers.
Screen Time and Healthy Habits
While technology is an important part of learning, too much screen time can affect children’s sleep, concentration, and wellbeing. At Rathfern Primary, we encourage:
- Balanced use of devices – Mixing online learning with offline activities.
- Regular breaks – Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Family agreements – Setting clear boundaries for device use at home.
- Digital Detox Week & Unplugged Day – Opportunities for pupils to enjoy screen-free time and rediscover hobbies.
Social Media and Gaming Platforms
Many children are aware of or use popular platforms, often before the recommended age. Below are some common examples and their official age restrictions:
- TikTok – 13+
- Instagram – 13+
- Snapchat – 13+
- WhatsApp – 16+
- YouTube – 13+ (YouTube Kids is available for younger children)
- Roblox – No official age limit, but parental guidance recommended
- Fortnite – PEGI 12 (contains violence and in-game purchases)
- Minecraft – PEGI 7 (online play may expose children to chat features)
We know that some parents permit their children to use these platforms despite age restrictions or provider guidance. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their child’s digital device use and support positive online behaviour. Setting parental controls and having open conversations about online safety are key steps.
Parental Controls
Parental controls are an effective way to help manage what children can access online and how much time they spend on devices. They can:
- Block inappropriate content
- Limit screen time
- Restrict app downloads and in-app purchases
- Monitor online activity
Here are some helpful video guides for setting up parental controls:
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Parental controls for iPads and iPhones (parents/carers who also own an iPad/iPhone)
Watch on YouTube -
Parental controls for iPads and iPhones (parents/carers who do not own an iPad/iPhone)
Watch on YouTube -
Parental controls for Android devices using Google Family Link
Watch on YouTube
Support for Parents
We believe that online safety is a partnership between school and home. Parents can find more guidance :
If you have any worries about your child’s online safety or would like further advice, please contact the school office. They can put you in touch with Mr Karimboccus, our Online Safety Lead.
For more support with internet safety or to report an urgent concern, you can visit the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) website by clicking the link below:
