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Online Safety
Online Safety for KS3 and KS4 Pupils
Staying Safe, Smart and Respectful Online
Being online is a big part of everyday life. Whether you're gaming, chatting with friends, watching videos, creating content or using the internet for schoolwork, it's important to know how to stay safe.
This page will help you spot online risks, make good choices and know where to get help if you ever need it.
Our School's Message
We want everyone to enjoy being online safely.
If anything online worries you, makes you feel uncomfortable, or doesn't seem right, please talk to someone. You will not get in trouble for asking for help.
You can speak to:
- Your Registration Tutor
- Your Head of Year
- Any teacher you trust
- A safeguarding member of staff
- Use the concerns box in the library to share a worry privately
For serious concerns, please speak to our Safeguarding Team:
Miss Donoghue, Ms Lane, Mr Thomas and Mr McKeever
Remember: you're never on your own. We're here to help.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can include nasty messages, rumours, fake accounts or sharing embarrassing photos.
If it happens:
- Don't reply.
- Save screenshots.
- Block the person.
- Tell a trusted adult.
Grooming and Online Exploitation
Some people pretend to be someone they're not in order to gain a young person's trust.
Look out for people who:
- Ask for personal information.
- Request photos or videos.
- Encourage you to keep secrets.
- Ask you to move chats onto private apps.
Always tell a trusted adult if this happens.
Scams and Phishing
Scammers often try to steal passwords, accounts, money or personal information.
Stay safe by:
- Avoiding suspicious links.
- Checking messages carefully.
- Never sharing passwords or security codes.
Sharing Images
Once you send an image online, you may lose control of who sees it.
If someone asks you for a personal image:
- Say no.
- Block them.
- Report them.
- Talk to a trusted adult straight away.
Top Online Safety Tips
1. Keep Personal Information Private
- Never share your address, phone number, passwords or bank details.
- Think carefully before sharing your location.
- Once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove completely.
2. Make Your Passwords Strong
- Use different passwords for different accounts.
- Mix letters, numbers and symbols.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) when available.
- Never share your password with friends.
3. Think Before You Post
Before posting, ask yourself:
Would I be happy if my family, teachers or future employer saw this?
If the answer is no, think twice before posting.
4. Don't Believe Everything You See Online
- Some photos, videos and stories can be edited or completely fake.
- Check information using trusted websites.
- Be careful of clickbait and misleading content.
5. Stay Safe on Social Media
- Check your privacy settings regularly.
- Only accept requests from people you know in real life.
- Block and report users who make you uncomfortable.
- Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.
6. Stay Safe While Gaming
- Don't share personal information in chats.
- Report toxic or inappropriate behaviour.
- Be careful when talking to strangers.
- Watch out for scams offering free skins, coins or upgrades.
AI and Online Safety
AI tools can be helpful for learning, but they're not always right.
- Never share personal information with AI tools.
- Double-check facts using trusted sources.
- Remember that AI can make mistakes.
- Follow your school's rules when using AI.
What Should I Do If Something Goes Wrong?
If something online upsets you or makes you feel unsafe:
- Stop engaging with it.
- Save screenshots or evidence.
- Block the account.
- Report it on the app or website.
- Tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
Helpful Websites and Support Services
Exploitation and Online Protection)
Get advice or report concerns about online exploitation.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
A CEOP reporting button graphic- The Click CEOP reporting button can be implemented within an appropriate area of your website, providing the children and young people in your care with information and advice and a direct reporting route to CEOP.
To include the Click CEOP reporting button on your service, please confirm your organisation's URL to ceopeducation@nca.gov.uk and we will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance and assets.
Thinkuknow
Online safety advice, videos and games for young people.
Childnet
Tips about social media, gaming and online wellbeing.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Advice and support on staying safe online.
Childline
Free and confidential support for young people.
Phone: 0800 1111
NSPCC Online Safety
Advice for children, young people, parents and carers.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Useful Reminder
STOP • THINK • CHECK • REPORT
If something online does not feel right, trust your instincts and speak to an adult.
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