Online Safety
Digital technology provides our children with fantastic opportunities to learn, create, communicate and have fun. At OLA, we want our children to enjoy the benefits of being online while developing the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe, responsible and respectful.
Keeping children safe online works best when home and school work together. Regular, open conversations about what children are doing online can make a huge difference.
🏠 Helping Your Child Stay Safe Online
We encourage parents and carers to:
- Talk regularly about the games, apps and websites your child uses.
- Check age ratings and age requirements before allowing access to games or social media.
- Explore games and apps together so you understand how they work.
- Use appropriate parental controls and privacy settings.
- Check who your child can chat with or contact online.
- Talk about keeping personal information and location private.
- Discuss in-app purchases and spending.
- Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if anything online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Remind children that they should never be afraid to ask for help if something goes wrong.
🔐 Parental Controls
Parental controls can help families manage content, communication, purchases, privacy and screen time across phones, tablets, games consoles and home internet.
Remember that controls should be used alongside regular conversations with your child — no parental control can replace helping children learn how to make safe choices online.
🎮 Games, Apps & Social Media
Games and apps change quickly, so rather than providing guides which can become outdated, we recommend using the trusted resources below for the latest advice and step-by-step guidance.
Trusted Online Safety Advice
Internet Matters
Practical guides for parents covering popular games and apps, parental controls, screen time, online relationships, privacy and much more.
NSPCC Online Safety
Advice about social media, online gaming, inappropriate content, parental controls and talking to children about their online lives.
CEOP Education
Trusted online safety information from the National Crime Agency, with age-appropriate advice and resources to help parents and carers keep children safe online. CEOP also provides information about getting help and reporting concerns.
💬 Keep Talking
One of the most important things we can do is make sure children know that they can always ask for help.
If something goes wrong online, encourage your child to:
STOP – Don’t reply or continue the conversation.
BLOCK – Block the person or account where appropriate.
REPORT – Use the reporting tools within the game, app or website.
TELL – Tell a trusted adult.
If you have a concern about your child’s online safety, please contact the school for advice and support.
Together, we can help our children become confident, responsible and safe digital citizens.
🌐 Internet Matters – Parent Advice
💚 NSPCC – Online Safety
🛡️ CEOP Education – Parents & Carers
