Online Safety
Online safety is a vital part of life in today’s digital world and at Polden Bower School we are committed to helping every pupil understand how to use technology safely, confidently and appropriately. Because technology plays such an important role in our daily lives, we ensure that children learn not only how to access it, but how to do so responsibly and with awareness.
Online safety is a key element of our PSHE curriculum and is embedded across learning throughout the school, as well as being taught through dedicated, discreet lessons. This ensures pupils develop the understanding and skills they need to navigate the online world safely.
Our curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics, including:
- Keeping safe online and knowing who to go to for help
- Understanding what is real or fake, and recognising safe vs. unsafe content
- Rights and responsibilities when using technology
- Online gaming and gambling awareness
- The dangers of online exploitation
- Recognising online pressures and influences
- Social networking and responsible online communication
- Internet safety rules and why they matter
- Understanding online identity and how to protect it
We work closely with the Local Authority Online Safety Advisor to ensure our practice remains current and robust. All staff receive annual online safety training, including CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) training, so they are well-equipped to support and protect pupils. In addition, the school has a designated Online Safety Lead, who oversees policy, practice and staff development in this area.
Where needed, we also provide specific, targeted interventions to support pupils with individual concerns or difficulties, helping every child to build safe, healthy and confident digital habits.
Online Safety
