Internet Safety
Internet Safety at Ysgol Bryn Alyn
At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, keeping our learners safe online is a key part of our commitment to safeguarding. We recognise that technology plays an important role in young people’s lives, providing opportunities to learn, communicate and be creative. However, it also brings risks that pupils, parents and schools must work together to manage.
As a school, we use resources and guidance from National Online Safety to educate pupils, support parents and help staff stay up to date with the latest online trends, apps and potential risks. National Online Safety provides expert information on topics such as social media, gaming, cyberbullying, online scams, privacy settings and digital wellbeing.
Through our curriculum, assemblies and wellbeing programmes, we teach pupils how to:
Stay safe when using social media and online games.
Protect their personal information and digital identity.
Recognise online risks, including scams, grooming and cyberbullying.
Report concerns and seek help from trusted adults.
Develop positive and responsible online behaviours.
We encourage parents and carers to take an active interest in their child's online world. Open conversations, appropriate privacy settings and regular supervision can help ensure that children enjoy the benefits of technology safely. Online safety is most effective when schools and families work together.
If you have concerns about your child's online safety or would like advice on managing technology at home, please contact the school. Together, we can help every learner become a safe, responsible and confident digital citizen.
For further support, parents can access free guides and resources through National Online Safety and other trusted online safety organisations.
Age-Appropriate Content
The internet provides access to a vast range of information and entertainment, but not all content is suitable for children and young people. Pupils may unintentionally encounter material that is upsetting, frightening or inappropriate for their age, including violent content, harmful language, misinformation or adult themes. At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, we educate learners about safe online behaviours and encourage them to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. We also recommend that parents regularly monitor device use, apply parental controls and maintain open conversations about online experiences to help children navigate the digital world safely.
Cyberbullying and Building Resilience at Home
Cyberbullying can happen through social media, messaging apps, online games and other digital platforms, and can have a significant impact on a young person's wellbeing. Parents and carers can help by encouraging open conversations about online experiences, reassuring children that they can report concerns without fear of blame, and helping them understand how to block and report inappropriate behaviour. Building resilience at home through positive relationships, self-confidence and strong communication skills can help young people respond safely to online challenges and seek support when they need it.
Influencers and Online Role Models
Social media influencers can have a positive impact by inspiring young people, sharing interests and promoting creativity. However, some influencers may promote unrealistic lifestyles, harmful messages or inappropriate behaviours. Parents can help by taking an interest in the content their child watches, discussing how online content is created and encouraging critical thinking about what is seen online. Regular conversations about positive role models, self-esteem and online trends can help young people make informed choices and develop a healthy relationship with social.
Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos, videos and messages with friends and followers. While it can be a creative and enjoyable space, young people may be exposed to inappropriate content, contact from strangers, online pressure and unrealistic comparisons with others. Parents can support their child by ensuring privacy settings are enabled, discussing safe and respectful online behaviour, and regularly talking about what they see and experience on the app. Open communication and supervision can help young people use Instagram safely and positively.
Group Chats
Group chats can be a great way for young people to stay connected with friends, collaborate on schoolwork and share interests. However, they can also expose children to inappropriate language, peer pressure, cyberbullying or unwanted content. Parents are encouraged to talk regularly with their child about who they communicate with online, remind them that messages and images can be shared beyond the group, and encourage them to leave conversations that make them feel uncomfortable. Establishing clear expectations and maintaining open communication can help young people use group chats safely and responsibly.
Managing Device Stress and Anxiety
While technology can help young people learn, connect and relax, excessive screen time or constant notifications can sometimes lead to feelings of stress, anxiety or overwhelm. Parents can support their child by encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities, setting screen-free times, particularly before bed, and creating opportunities for exercise, family time and hobbies. Regular conversations about how technology makes them feel can help children develop positive digital habits and maintain good emotional wellbeing.
Managing Screen Time
Healthy screen time habits are important for children’s wellbeing, learning and development. While technology offers many benefits, spending too much time on devices can impact sleep, physical activity, concentration and family relationships. Parents can support their child by setting clear boundaries, encouraging regular breaks, creating screen-free routines and modelling positive device use themselves. A balanced approach helps young people enjoy the benefits of technology while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Online Content: Top Tips for Keeping Children Safe Online
Children can access a huge variety of online content through social media, video-sharing platforms, gaming apps and websites. While much of this content can be educational and entertaining, some material may be misleading, harmful or unsuitable for their age. Parents can help keep children safe by using parental controls, checking privacy settings, knowing which apps and websites their child uses, and encouraging open conversations about their online experiences. Remind children never to share personal information online and to speak to a trusted adult if they see anything that worries or upsets them. Creating a safe, supportive environment at home is one of the most effective ways to promote positive and responsible online behaviour.
Online Grooming
Online grooming is when someone builds a relationship with a child or young person online with the intention of manipulating, exploiting or harming them. Groomers may pretend to be someone of a similar age and often use social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps and group chats to gain trust over time. Parents can help keep children safe by encouraging open conversations about who they interact with online, reminding them never to share personal information, photos or videos with strangers, and ensuring privacy settings are in place. Reassure your child that they should tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone online makes them feel uncomfortable, asks for secrets or requests personal information.
