--- title: "Online Safety" url: "https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/online-safety" school: "St. Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy" --- # Online Safety **Helping Students Stay Safe Online** We are committed to ensuring that all students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use the internet safely and responsibly. Online safety is an essential part of our safeguarding approach, and we work closely with students, staff, parents and external agencies to promote safe, respectful and responsible behaviour online. --- **Our Approach to Online Safety** At school, online safety is taught through: - **PSHE and tutor sessions** - **ICT and computing lessons** - **Assemblies and themed days and weeks** - **Support from external speakers and organisations** - **Regular updates and guidance for parents and carers** We follow national guidance and keep our policies under regular review to ensure that our approach reflects the most up‑to‑date advice. --- **What Students Learn** We help students understand: - How to stay safe on social media and messaging apps - How to protect personal information - What cyberbullying is and how to report it - Online reputation and digital footprints - Grooming, exploitation and inappropriate contact - The risks of misinformation and fake news - Safe gaming practices - How to report concerns and seek help We encourage students to speak up about anything that makes them feel worried or uncomfortable online. --- **Advice for Parents & Carers** Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting young people online. Here are some ways you can help: **1. Talk Openly and Regularly** Keep communication open about apps, games, friendships and experiences online. **2. Set Clear Boundaries** Agree on screen time, privacy settings and where devices can be used at home. **3. Use Parental Controls** Most devices allow you to manage content and time limits. **4. Know What Your Child Uses** Ask your child to show you the apps, games or social media platforms they use. **5. Encourage Reporting** Make sure your child knows how to report/block on apps—and that they can come to you for help. **Useful Links for Families** (Click to visit) - **ThinkUKnow (CEOP):** - **NSPCC Online Safety:** - **UK Safer Internet Centre:** - **Childline – Online & Mobile Safety:** - **Internet Matters:** - **National Cyber Security Centre – Cyber Aware:** --- **Staying Safe on Social Media** Many young people use social media platforms daily. We encourage the following: - Use privacy settings on all accounts - Only accept friend requests from people you know - Think before sharing photos, videos or personal information - Report harmful or inappropriate content immediately - Avoid sharing location information with others If you’re unsure about an app, check out **Internet Matters’ App Guides** or the **NSPCC NetAware** reviews. --- **Gaming Safety** Online gaming can be great fun but also carries risks. Tips for safe gaming: - Use age‑appropriate games (check PEGI ratings) - Talk to your child about in‑game chats and voice features - Disable or monitor online purchases and loot boxes - Encourage breaks and balanced screen time - Ensure consoles have parental controls enabled --- **Cyberbullying** Cyberbullying can happen anywhere online. If a student is being bullied: 1. **Don’t reply** 2. **Take screenshots** as evidence 3. **Block the sender** 4. **Report it** to the platform 5. **Tell a trusted adult or member of staff** School staff will always take concerns seriously and offer appropriate support. --- **Reporting Concerns** If a student feels unsafe or worried about online behaviour, they should speak to: - A parent or carer - A trusted teacher or tutor - The school’s safeguarding team For serious concerns: - **Report to CEOP:** - **Report harmful content:** - **Call Childline:** 0800 1111 If a child is in immediate danger, call **999**. --- **Our Policies** For further information, please refer to: - Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy - Online Safety Policy - Behaviour Policy - Acceptable Use Agreements ### Pupil & Parent Information - [Pupil & Parent Information](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information) - [Academic Support](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/academic-support) - [British Values and Protected Characteristics](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/british-values-and-protected-characteristics) - [Character Development](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/character-development) - [Enrichment](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/enrichment) - [Events & What's On](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/events-and-whats-on) - [Health and Wellbeing](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/health-and-wellbeing) - [Newsletters](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/newsletters) - [Online Safety](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/online-safety) - [School Meals](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/school-meals) - [School Uniform](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/school-uniform) - [Term Dates](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/term-dates) - [Year 6/7 Transition](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/year-6-7-transistion) - [Y11 Information](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/pupil-parent-information/y11-information) ![St. Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy](https://files.schudio.com/st-anthony-s-girls-catholic-academy-2/images/logo/logo-footer-with-diocese-02(2).png) ### St. Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy Thornhill Terrace Sunderland SR2 7JN 0191 565 8904 ### Trust Information - [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms/) - [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StAnthonysGirlsCatholicAcademy/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stanthsgirls/) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://st-anthonys-academy.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)