Dear St. Luke's Families,

We are keen to ensure that all of our pupils are aware of how to be safe when using the internet. It is really important that children understand that social networking sites can be dangerous and used by older people.

Over the year we hold two eSafety events – one in February for Safer Internet Day and one in the Summer Term that looks at the theme from Safer Internet Day in more detail.

This year the theme for Safer Internet Day is ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online'. You can find more information on this year’s theme at www.saferinternet.org.uk

For EYFS and Key Stage 1 the focus was on what is safe to share online and how some information isn't always trustworthy! The looked at asking permission of sharing photos of their friends and knowing what to do if they see any comments that they don't like. 

In Key Stage 2 they looked at how to find out if what they are reading or watching on the internet is true. They also looked at how to be safe when playing online games.

The children also had the opportunity to attend a workshop that allowed them to develop their knowledge of consent and sharing information/pictures online.

We also had the opportunity to host a parent workshop that was very useful in showing ways to keep children safe online by checking search settings, router settings and PEGI ratings. The provider have kindly provided a link for their Parent Zone where a selection of resources can be found  https://www.openvieweducation.co.uk/parent-zone-e-safety/

During the summer term we will look to develop the children’s understanding of staying safe online through discussions, drama and art.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and please be vigilant when your child is using the internet at home.

Useful websites 

Below are links to websites that have useful information about staying safe online.

Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/

UK Safer Internet Centre https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Paul Hays - Internet Safety Consultant in schools - https://www.pclstraining.com/links/