Online Safety
At Dane Royd Junior and Infant School, online safety is a central part of our safeguarding responsibility. We recognise that technology, social media, online gaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital communication play an important role in children's lives. Our aim is to help pupils become safe, responsible and confident users of technology, both in school and beyond.
Online safety is taught through our planned and progressive curriculum, including Computing, PSHE, RSHE and dedicated online safety lessons. We use ProjectEVOLVE and 2BeSafe based on the UK Council for Internet Safety's Education for a Connected World framework, alongside our wider curriculum to ensure pupils develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to stay safe online.
Mr Lee
Online Safety Lead
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a child's online safety, please contact Mr Lee or a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team through the school office.
We stress that the school must work in partnership with parents and carers around this area and welcome any information that you may have in order to keep all children safe online.
Our Online Safety Curriculum
Children learn about:
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Self-Image and Identity
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Online Relationships
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Online Reputation
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Online Bullying
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Managing Online Information
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Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
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Privacy and Security
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Copyright and Ownership
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Artificial Intelligence and AI-generated content
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Online scams, misinformation and disinformation
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Digital wellbeing and responsible device use
These themes are revisited regularly throughout school to ensure learning is progressive and age appropriate. Children are encouraged to recognise risk, make informed choices and seek help whenever they feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe online.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of education and everyday life. As a school, we believe pupils should understand both the opportunities and risks associated with AI technologies.
Children learn:
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how AI can generate text, images, audio and video;
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that AI-generated information may not always be accurate;
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how to identify misinformation and manipulated content;
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the risks associated with deepfakes and AI-generated imagery;
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how to use approved AI tools safely and responsibly;
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the importance of protecting personal information when using online services.
Staff may only use approved AI platforms for school-related purposes and are prohibited from entering confidential, personal or sensitive information into AI systems. All AI-generated content used within school remains subject to human review and professional judgement.
Filtering and Monitoring
The school uses filtering and monitoring systems to help protect pupils from exposure to illegal, inappropriate or harmful online content. All school-owned devices and networks are protected by filtering and monitoring software which is reviewed regularly to ensure effectiveness.
Our filtering and monitoring arrangements help to identify potential safeguarding concerns, inappropriate searches, cyber security risks and attempts to access restricted content. These systems support our safeguarding responsibilities but do not replace high-quality supervision, education and professional judgement.
Cyber Security
Cyber security is an important element of our safeguarding approach. Pupils and staff are taught how to:
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create and maintain secure passwords;
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recognise phishing emails and scam messages;
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identify suspicious online behaviour;
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protect personal data;
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report security concerns promptly.
The school works alongside our IT provider, Eduthing, to maintain secure systems and respond appropriately to emerging cyber security threats.
Digital Content and Responsible Behaviour
Children are taught to think carefully before creating, uploading or sharing online content. They learn that:
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information shared online may remain accessible permanently;
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images and videos can be altered or manipulated;
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AI-generated content is not always genuine;
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everyone has a responsibility to be respectful online;
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copyright and intellectual property must be respected;
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consent and privacy should be considered whenever content is shared.
The creation or sharing of harmful, misleading, inappropriate or AI-manipulated content intended to upset, bully or harm others will be treated as a serious matter and addressed in line with the school's behaviour and safeguarding procedures.
Age-Appropriate Use of Social Media
Many social media platforms have age restrictions and terms of service designed to protect children. Parents and carers are encouraged to check age requirements before allowing access to social media, games and online services, as these requirements can change over time.
The school's role is to educate pupils about safe online behaviour and support families where concerns arise. Where school becomes aware of safeguarding concerns relating to online activity, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our safeguarding procedures and, where necessary, referrals will be made to external agencies.
Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers
Keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility. We work closely with parents and carers through:
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newsletters and online safety updates;
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information shared through school communication channels;
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national events such as Safer Internet Day;
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curriculum activities and awareness campaigns;
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guidance and support when concerns arise.
Parents and carers are encouraged to maintain open conversations about online activity, monitor age-appropriate access to apps and games, and seek support from school if they have concerns.
Reporting Online Safety Concerns
Pupils are encouraged to report anything online that makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.
Parents, carers and members of the school community can report concerns through the school office.
Online Safety Lead
Mr M Lee
Designated Safeguarding Team
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Miss C Kelly
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Mrs G Kendall
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Miss B Ellam
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Mr M Lee
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Mrs C Ward
Any safeguarding concerns involving online behaviour, social media, cyber security, AI-generated content, grooming, harassment, bullying or harmful digital content will be addressed in line with the school's safeguarding procedures.
Top Tips for Staying Safe Online
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Never share personal information online, including your address, telephone number, passwords or other private details.
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Think carefully before posting, uploading or sharing content online.
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Treat others with kindness and respect when communicating online.
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Only communicate online with people you know and trust.
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Never agree to meet someone you have only met online.
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Be cautious of online challenges, scams and offers that seem too good to be true.
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Remember that online information is not always accurate or genuine.
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Tell a trusted adult immediately if something online makes you feel worried, upset or unsafe.
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Think critically about AI-generated content and remember that images, videos and information can be manipulated.
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Ask for help whenever you are unsure.
