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E-Safety

At the Rainbow Trust, we recognise the importance of educating our children around internet safety, providing them with the skills and tools to live in a technological world safely. We work with staff, pupils and parents/carers to create a school community which values the use of new technologies to enhance learning, encourages the responsible use of technology and social media, following agreed policies to minimise potential e-safety risks. 

To ensure that we provide children with the skills to keep themselves safe online, we utilise: 

  • Kiddle Search Engine to ensure that children are able to search safely and know the tools to support them when at home.
  • E-safety lessons and discussions prior to every Computing lesson.
  • The celebration of Internet Safety Day to further raise the profile of e-safety.
  • Our PSHCE curriculum makes continuous links Internet Safety.  For further information regarding our PSHCE curriculum, please click here. 
  • Our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 pupils have their own individual iPads that they are able to take home with them. We teach them about using them safely and work with their parents to support this with a Home School signed agreement.  
  • We work alongside parents closely to further develop Internet Safety provision and understanding.
  • As part of our Pupil Leadership Teams, we have Digital Leaders who help to run technology throughout the school, delivering support and advice to other pupils and further promoting Internet Safety.
  • For further information, please follow this link to our Online Safety page.

 

Staying Safe Online: A Guide for Parents and Pupils

In today’s digital world, the internet is an incredible tool for learning, creating, and staying connected. However, just like the physical world, the digital space requires awareness and "street smarts" to navigate safely. At Croxteth, we are committed to helping our students become responsible digital citizens.

The Core Pillars of E-Safety

To keep things simple, we encourage our community to follow the SMART rules:

  • S - Safe: Keep your personal information private. Don't share your address, phone number, or school name.

  • M - Meet: Never meet up with someone you’ve only met online. They may not be who they say they are.

  • A - Accepting: Be careful opening emails or messages from people you don’t know; they could contain viruses or mean messages.

  • R - Reliable: Not everything online is true. Always check information across multiple websites.

  • T - Tell: If something online makes you feel uncomfortable, worried, or sad, tell a trusted adult immediately.

Understanding the Digital Footprint

Every time you post, comment, or share, you leave a "digital footprint." This is a permanent record of your online activity that can be seen by others now and in the future, including future employers or universities.

digital footprint concept, AI generated

Shutterstock

 

The "Grandparent Rule": Before you post anything, ask yourself: "Would I be happy for my grandparents or my teacher to see this?" If the answer is no, don't post it.

Advice for Parents: How to Help

Managing your child's online life can feel daunting, but you don't need to be a tech expert to keep them safe.

  1. Start the Conversation: Talk openly about what they are doing online. Ask them to show you their favourite games or YouTubers.

  2. Set Boundaries: Agree on "tech-free" times (like dinner) and "tech-free" zones (like bedrooms at night).

  3. Check Privacy Settings: Ensure social media accounts and gaming profiles are set to "Private."

  4. Use Parental Controls: Most home Wi-Fi providers and devices (phones, consoles, tablets) have built-in controls to filter inappropriate content and set time limits.

Common Online Risks to Discuss

  • Cyberbullying: Using technology to harass or upset others. Remind children to be kind online and to "Block, Report, and Tell."

  • Phishing & Scams: Fake messages designed to steal passwords or money.

  • Inappropriate Content: Stumbling across things that are violent or frightening. Ensure they know it's okay to come to you if this happens.

Where to Get More Help

If you are concerned about something that has happened online, these organisations offer expert advice:

Remember: Safety isn't about staying off the internet; it's about being prepared and knowing what to do when things go wrong. If you have any concerns regarding your child's online safety, please contact our school's Computing Lead or Safeguarding Team.