GSO Test

 

Online Safety

At St Peter’s School, we are committed to helping pupils stay safe, confident, and respectful online. Digital technology and the internet are part of everyday learning and life, and we work in partnership with families to promote safe, responsible use — in school and at home.

Our approach

Online safety is taught and reinforced through:

  • A curriculum that includes age-appropriate online safety education (including PSHE/Computing and assemblies)
  • Clear expectations for how school technology and online platforms are used
  • A culture of reporting concerns early and getting help quickly
  • Staff training so adults know how to respond to online concerns and keep pupils safe

Key online safety messages for pupils

We encourage pupils to:

  • Talk to a trusted adult if something online worries or upsets them
  • Keep personal information private (name, address, school, phone number, passwords)
  • Use strong passwords and never share them
  • Be kind and respectful online — the same standards apply as in school
  • Think carefully before posting: “Would I be happy for a teacher, future school, or family member to see this?”
  • Remember that not everything online is true — check sources and ask for help

How we keep pupils safe at school

We take a number of measures to help protect pupils when using technology in school, including:

  • Appropriate filtering and monitoring on the school network and devices
  • Staff supervision when pupils use the internet
  • Safe settings and controls on school platforms used for learning and communication
  • Clear procedures for responding to online incidents, including concerns about bullying, inappropriate content, or harmful contact

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online or through devices (e.g., messaging apps, games, social media).
We take all bullying seriously. Pupils should:

  1. Save evidence (screenshots/messages)
  2. Block and report the account/content using the app’s tools
  3. Tell a trusted adult as soon as possible

School will support pupils, work with families, and take appropriate action in line with our behaviour and anti-bullying procedures.

Social media and messaging

We ask families to be mindful that many social media platforms have age restrictions. Even where children can access apps, they may still be exposed to:

  • Inappropriate content
  • Pressure to share images or personal details
  • Unkind behaviour
  • Contact from strangers

We recommend that parents/carers:

  • Check age ratings and terms
  • Set devices to private and turn on parental controls
  • Agree boundaries for screen time and online activity
  • Regularly talk with children about what they do online

Online grooming and harmful contact

Children can be targeted online by people who try to build trust and encourage secrecy. If a child receives messages that feel uncomfortable, pressured, threatening, or secretive, they should tell an adult immediately.

If you believe a child is at immediate risk, contact the police on 999.

Sharing images and videos

We teach pupils:

  • Never to share or request private images
  • Not to forward images/messages that make them uncomfortable
  • To report any worrying content straight away

Parents/carers can help by reminding children that images can be copied and reshared, even if they were sent privately.

What to do if you’re worried

If you are concerned about a pupil’s online safety, please contact the school. Concerns can be raised with:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Laura Noonan
Deputy DSL: Charlotte Milligan
Email: communications@stpetersce.lbhf.sch.uk
Telephone: 02087487756

If a pupil is in immediate danger, call 999.

Helpful resources for families

The following trusted websites offer practical advice, reporting tools, and support for children, young people, and parents/carers:

 Our latest Online Safety Newsletter

online safety newsletter dec 25.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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