Online Safety

Ditcham Park School: Online Safety

The internet offers a wealth of information and opportunities, but it also brings certain risks. At Ditcham Park School, we encourage students to be cautious online and provide them with essential knowledge to stay safe in the digital world.

We recognise that many young people form friendships entirely online and that social media platforms such as Xbox, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and others play a significant role in their lives.

Our goal—as a school and parenting team—is to ensure that your child’s safety online is as secure as it is in the physical world.

The Fundamentals of Online Safety at Ditcham Park School

Prevent – Keep profiles private: only ‘add’ people you know, and avoid sharing personal information.
Example: When setting up an online game profile, keep your real name, age, and location private. Instead of ‘Emma_13_Portsmouth,’ try using a neutral username like ‘GamerFox2024.’

Caution – Stay alert to any upsetting content or unexpected requests.
Example: If you receive an unexpected friend request from someone claiming to be a classmate, think twice and check with them in person.

Report – Seek guidance. Report concerns to parents, school, or CEOP. If you’re in immediate danger, contact the police.
Example: If someone you don’t know sends you upsetting or inappropriate messages, let your parents or a teacher know right away.

Useful Links

(Ditcham Park School is not responsible for the content on third-party sites)

Sites

• NSPCC Online Safety – General advice and guidance from the NSPCC.
• Internet Matters – Promoting good online safety habits.
• CEOP – Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency.

Apps

• GoHenry – Promotes responsible money usage.
• Circle of 6 – A safety app for young people.

Key Contacts at School

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Pippa Probert
• Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Kate Senior
• Head of Computer Science and Digital Learning: Tom Batchelor
• Head of IT: Mat Mitas

Online Safety Tips for Parents

Openness

• Have open conversations about online activities to avoid secret accounts.
• Respect privacy—Parents should acknowledge that children have a right to privacy, while children should understand that parents have a responsibility to protect them from harm. Come to a mutual agreement about boundaries and online safety.
• Be open about your own online activities—Model responsible behaviour. If you make a mistake online, share how you handled it as a learning moment.
• Discuss their goals—Talk about what your son/daughter is trying to achieve on games, social media, or with online friends. Explore how they are pursuing these goals and consider how you can support them.

Trust but Verify

• Monitor their internet usage to stay informed about the content they’re accessing.
• Know their passwords to help keep their accounts secure.
• Ensure privacy settings are set to high so that personal information is visible only to friends.
• Research new apps they are using. If you see them on an unfamiliar app, learn about it. Contact the school for guidance if needed.

Final Reminder

Never ignore the issue—Your child can unknowingly put themselves at risk. Staying engaged and informed is crucial for their safety.

Next Steps for Parents and Students

To put these tips into action, here are a few steps for parents and students to take together:

For Parents:

Set aside 10 minutes each week to review privacy settings with your child.
Download one of the recommended safety apps together and explore its features.
Discuss boundaries for safe online interaction and identify trusted adults they can speak to if they encounter uncomfortable situations online.

For Students:

• Check your social media privacy settings to make sure they’re on the highest setting.
• Choose a trusted adult (like a parent or teacher) to talk to if you feel uncomfortable online.
• Review your friends list and remove anyone you don’t know in real life.

Digital Well-Being

Being safe online is not only about avoiding risks but also about maintaining a healthy balance and positive experiences online. Here are some tips to support mental well-being in the digital space:

• Healthy Habits: Set limits on screen time, especially before bed, to avoid digital fatigue and ensure better sleep.
• Positive Interactions: Engage in respectful interactions online and avoid or ‘unfollow’ negative content that could affect your mood.
• Digital Detox: Try a “Tech-Free Hour” each evening where you put away devices and engage in offline activities to recharge and refresh.

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