Make A Report.

 Online Safety

The internet plays a central role in young people’s lives. At de Stafford School, we are committed to helping students develop the knowledge, skills and judgement they need to stay safe, responsible and respectful online.

We work in partnership with parents and carers to support children in navigating the digital world safely.

What students should do if something goes wrong

We actively encourage students to:

• Speak to a trusted adult at home or at school
• Report concerns to a member of staff, tutor or safeguarding team
• Use in?app reporting tools to block or report harmful content or users

We reassure students that they will be supported and listened to.

Current Online Risks (2026)

Online safety has developed rapidly. Parents and carers should be aware of some of the most common risks affecting young people today:

Content & behaviour risks

• Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content via algorithms
• Cyberbullying, harassment, and peer pressure
• Harmful trends and challenges on social media

Emerging risks

• AI tools (e.g. chatbots, deepfakes, image generators)
• Misinformation and fake content
• Use of AI for homework shortcuts or impersonation

Communication risks

• Contact from strangers (e.g. gaming, messaging apps)
• Livestreaming and video sharing risks
• Grooming and exploitation

Financial risks

• In?app purchases, loot boxes, scams
• Influencer marketing and hidden advertising

 

 

Popular Platforms Used by Young People

Students’ online activity changes quickly. Current popular platforms include:

• TikTok
• Snapchat
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Discord
• YouTube
• Roblox (gaming)

Important: Privacy settings, messaging features and risks differ across platforms. Regularly review settings with your child.  Please see the downloads at the bottom of the page for more information about these platforms.

Parental Support: What works best

Technology tools can help, but the most effective protection is open conversation.

Key actions for parents

• Talk regularly about online experiences
• Agree family rules for device use
• Encourage children to question what they see online
• Remind them they can always ask for help

Using parental controls

Parental controls can:

• Filter inappropriate content
• Manage screen time
• Control downloads and purchases

Useful guide:
https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/

Controls are helpful but do not replace communication and trust.

Simple Family Online Safety Checklist

• Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
• Review privacy settings together
• Turn off location sharing where appropriate
• Check age ratings on apps and games
• Agree screen?free times (e.g. before bed)

Reporting Concerns

If you are worried about a child’s safety online:

• Speak to the school safeguarding team
• Report directly to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection):
  https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Useful Websites for Parents and Carers

• NSPCC Online Safety Hub
  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
• Internet Matters
  https://www.internetmatters.org/
• ThinkUKnow (CEOP)
  https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
• UK Safer Internet Centre
  https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
• Parent Zone / Parent Info
  https://parentinfo.org/

Our Approach at de Stafford

We teach online safety through:

• RSHE and Computing lessons
• Assemblies and awareness events
• Form time discussions
• Targeted support where needed

Our aim is to ensure students become:

• Responsible digital citizens
• Critical consumers of information
• Respectful online communicators

Contact Us

If you have concerns about online safety, please contact:

• Your child’s Form tutor
• Head of Year
• Safeguarding team

 

 Addiional support can be found here:

Internet-Matters-Guide-Official-UK-Social-Media-Guidance.pdf

Parent Carer guide WEB.pdf

Parent's Fact Sheet

Online Safety Toolkit

parent-factsheet-roblox.pdf

National Online Safety-SNAPCHAT-Guide

Internet Matters