The internet is a powerful tool that plays an increasingly central role in our lives. From education and communication, to entertainment and research, technology now shapes how we learn, interact and grow. With rapid developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), it is essential that our young people are prepared to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
 

At UBHS, we take online safety seriously. Our learners participate in regular assemblies, discussions, and workshops focused on digital literacy, the risks and benefits of social media, and strategies to stay safe when gaming or browsing the internet. Our rules around learners not having mobile phones on the school site, further helps us to keep everyone safe, and we appreciate the support from parents/carers on this. Keeping young people safe online is a shared responsibility. We encourage all parents and carers to stay informed and involved.

Here are some key tips to help keep your child safe online:

• Know who they’re talking to
  Encourage your child to only interact with people they know in real life when gaming or using social media platforms. Many online risks arise from conversations with strangers pretending to be someone else.
• Protect their privacy
  Teach your child never to share personal information online, including their full name, home address, school name, date of birth, or phone number. Check that usernames don’t reveal identifiable details.
• Think before sharing
  Help your child understand the importance of their digital footprint - what they post online today can impact them in the future. Encourage them not to share or upload images or videos that could be considered inappropriate or harmful.
• Keep accounts private
  Make sure all social media profiles have privacy settings activated. This limits who can view your child’s posts, images, and personal information. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have settings that can restrict public access.
• Turn off location sharing
  Ensure location tracking is switched off in apps and social media settings to prevent others from seeing where your child is.
• Use trusted sources
  When researching online, encourage your child to use official or educational websites. Not all content online is accurate or trustworthy - critical thinking is key.
• Online gaming
  Many games have built-in chat features. Check game settings to manage who can contact your child, and be aware of in-game purchases and time spent playing. Parental controls can help manage both content and screen time.
• Keep talking
  Open conversations are one of the best ways to keep your child safe. Talk regularly about their online experiences - what apps they use, who they talk to, and what they see. Let them know they can always come to you, or a trusted adult, if something feels wrong.

Useful Websites for Parents and Carers:
NSPCC Online Safety  |  UK Safer Internet Centre  |  Thinkuknow (CEOP)  |  Barnardo’s Online Safety Support

If you require further advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Computing Team at UBHS. Together, we can ensure our learners enjoy the benefits of the online world, while staying safe and informed.

Mr Aman Singh Kang