At Bowmore Primary School, we recognise that digital technology plays an important role in children’s lives. It offers exciting opportunities for learning, creativity and communication—but also presents risks.
Online safety is a key part of our Health and Wellbeing and Digital Learning curriculum, and we take a whole-school approach to ensuring children are safe, confident and responsible online.
💻 Learning to Stay Safe Online
Children are taught how to use technology safely and responsibly. This includes understanding how to:
- Stay safe when using the internet, games and apps
- Protect personal information
- Communicate respectfully online
- Recognise and report unsafe situations
- Think critically about what they see and read
Online safety is embedded across learning and reinforced through class discussions and whole-school events such as Safer Internet Day.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology
Children are increasingly using tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI), such as chatbots and image generators.
We support children to:
- Use AI tools responsibly to support learning
- Understand that not all online content is accurate
- Recognise risks such as misinformation and fake images
- Ask questions and think critically about what they see
⚠️ Understanding Online Risks
Children learn about different types of online risk:
- Content – seeing harmful or inappropriate material
- Contact – unsafe communication
- Conduct – behaviour such as cyberbullying
- Commercial – scams and online spending
We encourage all children to speak to a trusted adult if something online worries them.
🤝 Working in Partnership with Families
Online safety works best when schools and families work together. We encourage open conversations and shared responsibility in supporting children online.
🛡️ Top Tips for Parents and Carers
- Talk regularly with your child about what they are doing online
- Set clear boundaries around screen time and device use
- Use parental controls on devices, apps and games
- Know the apps and games your child is using
- Encourage openness—make sure your child knows they can tell you if something worries them
- Keep devices in shared spaces where possible
- Remind children not to share personal information
- Support critical thinking—not everything online is true
🛡️ Support and Advice
You may find these organisations helpful:
- NSPCC Online Safety
- Childline / Report Remove
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
- UK Safer Internet Centre
🌈 Our Approach
We aim to ensure all children:
- Feel safe and supported online
- Develop skills to make responsible choices
- Understand how to protect themselves and others
- Use technology positively to support their learning
