Keeping Your Child Safe Online

The internet is a big part of children’s lives from playing games and watching videos to chatting with friends. While being online offers lots of learning and fun opportunities, it’s important that children use it safely and responsibly.

Age Restrictions

Many popular apps, games and social media platforms have age restrictions to help protect children from inappropriate content and contact.
Below are some common examples:

• WhatsApp: 16+

• TikTok: 13+

• Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat: 13+

• YouTube: 13+ (YouTube Kids is suitable for younger users)

• Roblox: No set age limit, but parental controls are strongly recommended

Children of primary school age should not have access to most social media apps, as the content and communication features are not designed for younger users. These limits are in place to help keep children safe from online risks such as exposure to unsuitable material, online bullying or contact from strangers.

How Parents Can Help

Here are a few simple steps families can take to help keep children safe online:

• Talk regularly with your child about what they do online and who they speak to.

• Set age-appropriate parental controls on devices, apps and games.

• Keep screens and devices in shared family spaces where possible.

• Use child-friendly platforms, such as YouTube Kids or BBC iPlayer Kids.

• Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or worried.

Online Safety and Use of AI

At Haydon Abbey School, we are committed to keeping our pupils safe both in school and online.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that children learn how to use it responsibly — including artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as chatbots, image generators, and other online platforms.

The Department for Education has included new guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025) about the use of AI and online content. Schools must help children understand risks such as:

• Misinformation and “fake news”

• Inappropriate or harmful online content

• Misuse of AI tools or apps that generate unsafe material

At Haydon Abbey, we teach children to think critically about what they see online and to talk to a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right.

Our filtering and monitoring systems are regularly reviewed to help keep pupils safe while using school technology.

If you are concerned about your child’s online activity or would like advice on keeping them safe at home, please contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads.

You can also find practical support on the UK Safer Internet Centre.

Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation

At our school, we are committed to protecting children from the risks of extremism and radicalisation, and helping them build the confidence to challenge harmful ideas.

Our aim is to ensure all pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and respect needed to value differences and make positive choices.

We believe it’s important for children to:

• Understand and respect different faiths, beliefs and cultures

• Recognise when something they see or hear online doesn’t seem right

• Speak to a trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about what they have seen or heard.

As part of our Prevent Duty, all staff are trained to identify and report any concerns that a child may be at risk of radicalisation or being drawn into extremist behaviour.

We work closely with the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Partnership, the First Response Team, and other agencies to ensure that any concerns are acted upon swiftly and appropriately.

We also promote British Values throughout our curriculum — including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance — to help pupils become thoughtful, respectful and responsible members of our community.

If you are ever worried about something your child has seen, or you’re concerned they may be influenced by extreme views, please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads in school.

You can also contact the First Response Team directly on 01296 383 962 (or 0800 999 7677 out of hours).

For more information and advice, visit:

• Educate Against Hate

• Act Early — a national programme offering early support to families worried about radicalisation

This site provides information on:-

Childcare

Children's Centres

Activities and things to do (including school holidays)

Local Offer for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

Organisations and support services

Youthspace for young people

Phone 01296 383 065 - 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri

Text 07786 202 920

Email familyinfo@buckscc.gov.uk

childline

0800 1111