Online Safety

Acceptable use agreements

At the start of every year we go through how we conduct ourselves online and how to stay safe, the children get taught all about this and then sign to say they understand. Examples of these agreements are below

Staying Safe Online – A Message for Parents and Carers

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping children safe, we have been talking with all children about how to use technology and the internet safely, responsibly and kindly. Children have read and discussed our Acceptable Use Agreement and have signed to show that they understand the key messages.

The agreement gives children simple, practical reminders, including:

Using devices, apps, websites and games only when they have permission to do so.
Speaking to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel worried, upset, scared or confused.
Keeping passwords and personal information safe.
Thinking carefully before clicking on links, downloading anything or sharing photographs, videos or information.
Remembering that people online are not always who they say they are and that things we see or read online are not always true.
Being kind and respectful to others online and never sharing unkind or hurtful messages, images or videos.
Understanding that things shared online can be copied, shared by others and may stay online for a long time.
Knowing that they never have to take part in an online dare, challenge or conversation that makes them uncomfortable.
Telling a trusted adult if something goes wrong. Children are reminded that it is never their fault if they see or receive something upsetting online, and they will not get into trouble for asking for help.

Supporting these messages at home

We know that technology is an important part of family life, and we encourage parents and carers to use these messages as a starting point for open, positive conversations at home.

You might talk together about the devices your child uses, the apps and games they enjoy, age restrictions, online friendships and communication, keeping personal information private, sharing photographs and videos, and what they should do if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.

The most important message for children is that they can always talk to a trusted adult. Working together, school and home can help children develop the confidence and skills they need to make safe and sensible choices online.

Finding the full information

The electronic version of our online safety information and Acceptable Use Agreements can be found on the Hollymount School website under ‘Online Safety’. The school's wider policies, including the Online Safety Policy, can also be found in the Policies section of the website.

Thank you for continuing to support us in helping our children to enjoy technology safely, confidently and responsibly.