Online Safety
Online safety in the Hazel Curriculum
The internet can be a world of fun for children—a place where they can learn, explore, discover and express themselves. However, using the internet also comes with risks and challenges. At Hazel, we equip our children with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to use the internet in a productive, responsible and safe way.
Through our curriculum and wider school opportunities, children learn how to make positive choices online, recognise potential risks and understand what they should do if something makes them feel worried or uncomfortable. We encourage children to think carefully about the information they share, communicate respectfully with others and understand the importance of keeping themselves and those around them safe.
Our Online Safety curriculum is taught alongside our Computing and PSHE curriculum, ensuring that children have regular opportunities to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills. We have a structured Online Safety curriculum which covers eight key areas of learning.
- Self-image and identity - This strand explores the differences between our online and offline identities, beginning with developing self-awareness and understanding how we present ourselves online. It considers how online identities can be shaped by others and how the media can influence the way we view ourselves and reinforce stereotypes. Children learn how to recognise and challenge these influences, identify trusted sources of support, and understand how to report concerns. The strand also explores how online technologies can affect self-image, emotions and behaviour.
- Online relationships - This strand explores how technology influences the way we communicate and interact with others, focusing on developing positive and respectful relationships within online communities. It provides opportunities for children to understand the importance of respect, consent and personal boundaries, including recognising when consent can be given or denied. Children consider behaviours that may cause harm and learn how to respond appropriately.
- Online reputation - This strand explores the concept of online reputation and how the information we share can influence the way others perceive and make judgements about us. It provides opportunities for children to understand the importance of managing their personal digital content carefully and making responsible choices about what they post, share and communicate online.
- Online bullying - This strand explores bullying, cyberbullying and other forms of online aggression, considering how technology can influence the way these behaviours occur and affect others. It provides opportunities for children to recognise harmful behaviour, understand its impact and develop strategies for responding safely and appropriately. Children learn how and where to report concerns, seek support and take positive action when they encounter bullying online.
- Managing online information - This strand explores how information is found, accessed and interpreted online, helping children to develop effective and responsible searching skills. It provides opportunities to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of online information, recognise potential risks and develop strategies for managing online threats and challenges. Children consider how online risks can affect both their digital and physical safety and learn how to make informed choices to protect themselves and others. The strand also explores the importance of responsible and ethical publishing, including understanding the impact of sharing and creating content online.
- Health, wellbeing and lifestyle - This strand explores the impact that technology can have on our health, wellbeing and lifestyle, including our mood, sleep, physical health and relationships. It provides opportunities for children to reflect on how their use of technology can influence their feelings, behaviour and daily routines. Children learn to recognise negative behaviours and issues that can be amplified or sustained through online technologies and develop strategies for managing these safely and positively. The strand also encourages children to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
- Privacy and security - This strand explores how personal information is collected, stored, used, processed and shared online. It provides opportunities for children to understand the importance of protecting their personal data and recognising who may have access to it. Children develop both practical and behavioural strategies to maintain their privacy, including making safe choices about what information they share, using appropriate privacy settings and understanding how their online actions can affect their digital footprint.
- Ownership - This strand explores the concept of ownership and rights relating to online content, helping children understand that digital content belongs to its creator. It provides opportunities to develop strategies for protecting their own work and respecting the rights of others by giving appropriate credit when using online materials. Children learn about the importance of using and sharing content responsibly and consider the potential consequences of accessing, downloading or distributing content without permission.
These are explored by children across all the age groups at a level that is suitable for them
Support for parents and carers
If you have any concerns or questions throughout the year, please feel free to arrange a meeting with a member of our staff. We will be happy to support and guide you with a range of online safety matters, including:
- Reporting an online incident
- Setting parental controls on your child’s devices
- Managing screen time and encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities
- Supporting your child to stay safe and responsible when using technology
Some useful websites
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/online-safety NSPCC: Information and guidance to help keep children safe when using the internet, social media, apps, games and other online platforms.
https://www.childnet.com/ - Childnet: Lots of resources on how to stay safe online for children aged 3-18years. Resources for children with SEND, conversation starters and videos to support.
https://www.childnet.com/resources/supporting-young-people-online/ - Childnet: Information and support in different languages.
https://parentzone.org.uk/ - Parentzone: This website has some parent guides on digital family life.
Social Media and Age Restrictions
Are you aware of the content your child is accessing online? Not all content is suitable for children, and some websites, apps, games and social media platforms have age ratings or minimum age requirements for a reason. These guidelines are designed to help protect children from content and experiences that may not be appropriate for their age. Encourage your child to talk to you if they are unsure about a website, game, app or piece of content. By taking an interest in what they are accessing, you can help them make safe and responsible choices online.
Below are some guidelines posters to help you with some of the platforms that children use.
