e-Safety
The internet plays a central role in young people’s lives. At de Stafford School, we are committed to helping students develop the knowledge, skills and judgement they need to stay safe, responsible and respectful online.
We work in partnership with parents and carers to support children in navigating the digital world safely.
What students should do if something goes wrong
We actively encourage students to:
- Speak to a trusted adult at home or at school
- Report concerns to a member of staff, tutor or safeguarding team
- Use in‑app reporting tools to block or report harmful content or users
We reassure students that they will be supported and listened to.
Current Online Risks (2026)
Online safety has developed rapidly. Parents and carers should be aware of some of the most common risks affecting young people today:
Content & behaviour risks
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content via algorithms
- Cyberbullying, harassment, and peer pressure
- Harmful trends and challenges on social media
Emerging risks
- AI tools (e.g. chatbots, deepfakes, image generators)
- Misinformation and fake content
- Use of AI for homework shortcuts or impersonation
Communication risks
- Contact from strangers (e.g. gaming, messaging apps)
- Livestreaming and video sharing risks
- Grooming and exploitation
Financial risks
- In‑app purchases, loot boxes, scams
- Influencer marketing and hidden advertising
Popular Platforms Used by Young People
Students’ online activity changes quickly. Current popular platforms include:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- Discord
- YouTube
- Roblox (gaming)
Important: Privacy settings, messaging features and risks differ across platforms. Regularly review settings with your child. Please see the downloads at the bottom of the page for more information about these platforms.
Parental Support: What works best
Technology tools can help, but the most effective protection is open conversation.
Key actions for parents
- Talk regularly about online experiences
- Agree family rules for device use
- Encourage children to question what they see online
- Remind them they can always ask for help
Using parental controls
Parental controls can:
- Filter inappropriate content
- Manage screen time
- Control downloads and purchases
Useful guide: https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
Controls are helpful but do not replace communication and trust.
Simple Family Online Safety Checklist
- Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
- Review privacy settings together
- Turn off location sharing where appropriate
- Check age ratings on apps and games
- Agree screen‑free times (e.g. before bed)
Reporting Concerns
If you are worried about a child’s safety online:
- Speak to the school safeguarding team
- Report directly to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Useful Websites for Parents and Carers
- NSPCC Online Safety Hub https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
- Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/
- ThinkUKnow (CEOP) https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
- UK Safer Internet Centre https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
- Parent Zone / Parent Info https://parentinfo.org/
Our Approach at de Stafford
We teach online safety through:
- RSHE and Computing lessons
- Assemblies and awareness events
- Form time discussions
- Targeted support where needed
Our aim is to ensure students become:
- Responsible digital citizens
- Critical consumers of information
- Respectful online communicators
Contact Us
If you have concerns about online safety, please contact:
- Your child’s Form tutor
- Head of Year
- Safeguarding team
