Online safety





Following feedback from parent representatives at a recent board meeting, DSPL7 have created this page detailing information about staying safe online and signposting useful resources.
There are several organisations which are dedicated to ensuring the safety of young people online, including:
- UK Safer Internet Centre: includes an awareness centre which provides advice and support to children and young people, parents and carers and schools and a helpline to support professionals working with children and young people with online safety issues and a hot line.
- Childnet international: work directly with children and young people from the ages of 3 to 18 on a weekly basis, as well as parents, carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real experiences online and the positive things they are doing, as well as sharing safety advice. They provide resources to equip people to staying safe online.
- SWGfL: are a charity which work to ensure children benefit from technology, free from harm.
SMART Rules
When going online it is important to remember to follow the SMART rules to help keep you safe!
Childnet International: A3 SMART rules poster
Childnet International: SMART Rules Cards
Childnet International: SMART rules quiz! Do you know how to be SMART online? Take this quiz to find out! This quiz is aimed at primary aged children.

Online Safety Resources
Please bear in mind that some of these resources may contain information suited to teenagers and young adults and therefore parents and carers may want to read through to ensure material is suitable for recipients. Please bear in mind that some of these resources may contain information suited to teenagers and young adults and therefore parents and carers may want to read through to ensure material is suitable for recipients: 1.How to use the internet safely and protect my personal data 2. Dangers of the internet 3. How to stay safe using the internet and apps 4. Facebook and browser safety 5. Summary of what we have learnt For Children (Under 12’s)
For Teenagers and Young People (Over 12’s)
Cyberbullying
Glossary of Terms
Personal Information
Photos and Videos
Social Networking Sites SEND Specific Resources
For Parents and Carers
For Schools and Teachers
Cyber bullying

What is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying is bullying that takes place on online platforms such as texting or social media. Some specific difficulties with cyberbullying includes its persistence, continuous communication online leaves less time and space for individuals to get away from bullying, and permanence – most online information is public and will remain available to see until reported and removed (stopbullying.gov, 2020).
Organisations and support:
National Bullying Helpline: This is a nationally recognised advice centre. This helpline was founded in 2003 and was the very first UK helpline which provided assistance to individuals struggling with bullying issues, whatever the nature of the abuse. Today, the helpline is unique in that it is the only helpline of its kind, established by qualified employment law professionals, providing operational, timely, support to both adults and children – whether the bullying is in the home, the community, the playground, the workplace or on-line (ie: Cyberbullying).
Bullying UK: Bullying UK is part of the charity ‘family lives’ and aims to provide advice to young people, parents and schools about bullying.
Anti-Bullying Alliance: this is a coalition of organisations and individuals working to stop bullying and create safer online environments for children and young people.
The Cybersmile Foundation: a registered charity in the U.K. – Cybersmile provides expert support, resources and consultancy to individuals, governments, corporations and educational institutions around the world.
Childline: Bullying and Cyberbullying: Childline is a free, private and confidential service available to anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.
Resources:
- Advice for parents and carers on cyberbullying
- UK safer internet centre: cyberbullying advice
- Mencap: bullying online
- NSPCC: Bullying and cyberbullying
- Anti-bullying alliance: advice for parents
- Cyberbullying: advice for parents and carers. Supporting your child to be safe and happy
- Anti-bullying alliance: cyberbullying and children and young people with SEN and disabilities: guidance for teachers and other professionals
- Childnet: Cyberbullying guidance for parents
- Childnet: Cyberbullying guidance for schools
