At Mayflower Academy, we are committed to helping our pupils stay safe online. The internet is a fantastic tool for learning, creativity and staying connected – but it's important that children know how to use it safely. We also know that supporting your child at home can feel overwhelming at times, especially as technology changes so quickly.

Here is some helpful guidance for parents and carers to support online safety at home.

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Top Tips for Parents

1. Talk Regularly About Online Activity

• Keep an open and ongoing dialogue with your child about what they do online.

• Ask them to show you their favourite apps, games, or websites.

• Encourage them to tell you if they see anything that upsets or worries them.

2. Use Parental Controls

• Use built-in parental controls on devices, broadband, and apps to restrict inappropriate content.

• Tools like Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, and Microsoft Family Safety can help manage screen time and set restrictions.

3. Set Boundaries

• Agree on screen time limits and stick to them.

• Encourage "tech-free" times such as during meals or before bed.

• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.

4. Know the Apps & Games

• Check age ratings and reviews before allowing your child to download apps or games.

• Popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Roblox, and WhatsApp may not be suitable for younger children.

5. Teach Privacy & Respect

• Make sure your child understands they should never share personal information (like their name, school, or location) online.

• Teach them to be kind online and to report unkind or inappropriate behaviour.

6. Lead by Example

• Model good online habits – children are more likely to follow your lead.

• Avoid excessive screen use and be mindful of what you share on social media.

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What to Do if You're Worried

If you are concerned about your child’s safety online:

• Encourage them to talk to you or another trusted adult.

• Use the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) reporting tool if you think a child is at risk: www.ceop.police.uk

• Speak to a teacher or our school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

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We're Here to Help

Online safety is a shared responsibility. If you ever have concerns or questions about your child’s online behaviour or need support setting up parental controls, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Let’s work together to ensure all our children are safe, respectful, and responsible digital citizens.

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Useful Online Safety Resources

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Online Safety Newsletter