Dear Families 

As we navigate the New Year, following Christmas where many children were lucky enough to be gifted new devices,  we know that digital devices—from tablets and games consoles to smartphones—are an increasingly central part of our children's lives. While these devices offer incredible opportunities for learning and creativity, they also bring challenges that require our attention.  We hope to be able to share some information to keep children safe on their devices and useful resources for parents. 

Our goal is to work together to ensure our pupils develop a healthy, safe, and balanced relationship with technology.

For primary-aged children, the digital world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Key risks include:

• Inappropriate Content: Accidental exposure to age-inappropriate videos, images, or language.

• Excessive Screen Time: Research shows that too much "passive" screen time can impact sleep, physical activity, and even hand-eye coordination or social skills.

• Online Interactions: Even within popular games like Roblox or Minecraft, children may encounter strangers or experience peer-to-peer conflict (cyberbullying).

• Hidden Costs: Many "free" apps use persuasive design to encourage in-game purchases or "loot boxes."

Top Tips for a Safer technology use

You don't need to be a tech expert to keep your child safe. Here are five practical steps:

Keep it Central - Use devices in shared family spaces rather than bedrooms. This makes "passive" supervision much easier.

Set Up Controls - Use built-in tools like Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, or Microsoft Family Safety to set time limits and filter content.

Check Age Ratings - Look for PEGI ratings on games and age limits on apps. Most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13.

The "Golden Rule" - Encourage your child to come to you immediately if they see something that makes them feel worried, "yucky," or confused.

Model Healthy Habits - Children follow our lead. Try having "tech-free" zones, such as the dinner table or the hour before bedtime.

Helpful Resources for Parents

If you are looking for specific guides on apps like TikTok, WhatsApp, or Roblox, we highly recommend these expert sites:

• Internet Matters: Provides step-by-step "how-to" guides for setting parental controls on almost any device.

• NSPCC (Keeping Children Safe Online): Practical advice for starting those "awkward" but important conversations.

• Childnet: Offers a "Family Agreement" template to help you set clear household rules together.

Have a lovely weekend, kind regards

Mrs Winter 

If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child in school please contact myself, 

Mrs Cowling or Ms Steunou who are the safeguarding leads.