Online Safety

Technology is an incredible gift.

It helps us to learn, communicate, create and connect with people across the world in ways that previous generations could never have imagined.

At St Bernard's RC Primary School, we want every child to enjoy these opportunities confidently, responsibly and safely.

Online safety is not simply about protecting children from risk.

It is about helping them develop the wisdom, judgement and character to make good choices in an increasingly digital world.

Just as we teach children to be kind, respectful and responsible within our school community, we teach them to demonstrate those same values whenever they are online.

Intent

Our intention is to equip every child with the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and positively throughout their lives.

We want children to understand that being safe online is about far more than passwords and privacy settings. It is about recognising that every choice they make online reflects their values, their character and the way they treat other people.

Our Catholic faith teaches us that every person deserves dignity and respect, whether interactions happen face-to-face or through a screen. We therefore encourage children to become thoughtful digital citizens who communicate kindly, act responsibly and understand the impact their words and actions can have on others.

We aim to develop children who are curious and confident users of technology while also being able to recognise risks, seek help when they need it and make wise decisions that protect both themselves and those around them.

Implementation

Online safety is embedded throughout school life rather than taught as a one-off event.

Children develop their understanding through our Computing curriculum, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education, Relationships Education, assemblies, worship, safeguarding lessons and wider curriculum opportunities. Learning is carefully planned so that children's knowledge grows progressively as they move through the school.

Our teaching covers all aspects of digital citizenship, including online communication, cyberbullying, privacy, personal information, gaming, social media, misinformation, digital footprints, healthy screen habits and knowing when and how to seek support.

Our whole-school approach of Hearts, Bodies, Voices, Minds Ready provides a meaningful framework for online safety.

• Hearts Ready – showing kindness, empathy and respect in every online interaction.
• Bodies Ready – understanding the importance of healthy lifestyles, balancing screen time with physical activity, rest and real-world experiences.
• Voices Ready – communicating respectfully, recognising that words online can have lasting consequences and using technology to encourage rather than harm others.
• Minds Ready – thinking critically about online information, recognising risks, questioning what they see and making safe, responsible decisions.

Our Words Matter initiative reinforces the importance of respectful online communication, helping children understand that the same standards of kindness and dignity apply whether conversations take place in person or online.

We work in close partnership with parents and carers, recognising that online safety is most effective when school and home work together. Through regular communication, advice and shared expectations, we help families support children in navigating the digital world safely and confidently.

Staff receive regular safeguarding and online safety training to ensure they remain informed about emerging technologies, current risks and best practice. This enables us to respond proactively while creating an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.

Impact

The impact of our approach is reflected in children who use technology with confidence, wisdom and responsibility.

Our children understand that staying safe online is about making good choices, protecting themselves and showing respect for others. They know how to recognise potential risks, respond appropriately and seek help from trusted adults whenever they feel worried or unsure.

Children communicate respectfully online because they understand that words have power, regardless of whether they are spoken face-to-face or typed on a screen. They recognise the importance of kindness, honesty and empathy in every interaction.

Children develop increasing confidence in evaluating information critically, recognising that not everything online is accurate or trustworthy. They learn to question, reflect and think carefully before acting or sharing information.

Families experience a school that supports them in navigating the ever-changing digital world and values partnership in helping children develop healthy and responsible technology habits.

Ultimately, our children leave St Bernard's understanding that technology is a powerful tool that should be used wisely and for the good of others.

They know how to stay safe.

They know how to stay kind.

They know how to stay true to the values that define them, wherever they are.

Whether in the classroom, at home or online, they understand that they are called to use their gifts with wisdom, integrity and compassion.

That is how we prepare our children to flourish in a digital world.

That is The St Bernard's Way.

This is how we continue becoming the school God wants us to be.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Proverbs 4:23