Online Safety 

At St Aldhelm’s Academy, keeping our students safe online is a vital part of our safeguarding commitment. We work closely with parents, carers and students to ensure everyone understands how to use the internet responsibly, confidently and safely. This page provides trusted advice, practical support and direct links to national organisations such as Internet Matters, UK Safer Internet Centre, and CEOP. Here you will also find our parent information, guidance by age group, and details on how to report concerns. Our aim is to support families in creating a safe and positive digital environment both in school and at home.

Internet Safety for Students

Social Media Guidance

Further advice for Parents and Carers

E-Safety Policy

Internet Safety for Students

Staying safe online is an important part of life at St Aldhelm’s Academy. We want every student to use technology confidently, responsibly and respectfully - whether you are researching, gaming, messaging friends or using social media. This page gives you practical advice, links to trusted support, and clear steps to take if something goes wrong online.

How to Stay Safe Online

1. Protect Your Personal Information

• Never share your full name, address, school, phone number, or passwords.

• Keep social media accounts private.

• Only accept friend requests from people you actually know.

2. Think Before You Post

• Anything you post online can be screen shot or shared.

• Ask yourself: Would I be happy for a teacher, parent, or future employer to see this?

• Be respectful - kindness online matters just as much as in person.

3. Be Careful Who You Chat With

• Not everyone online is who they say they are.

• If someone you don’t know messages you, don’t reply - tell a trusted adult.

• Never agree to meet someone you met online.

4. Gaming Safely

• Use the in-game reporting tools for bullying or inappropriate behaviour.

• Stick to age-appropriate games (PEGI ratings).

• Don’t use voice chat with strangers.

5. Cyberbullying

If someone is unkind online:

• Don’t respond

• Screenshot the messages

• Block the person

• Tell a trusted adult or your tutor

You can also speak to the safeguarding team at SAA.

If Something Worries You Online

Tell Someone You Trust

Speak to:

• A parent or carer

• Your tutor or Head of Year

• A member of the safeguarding team

You will never get in trouble for asking for help.

Block & Report

All apps and games have tools to:

• Report abusive content

• Block people

• Remove unwanted messages

Use them-your safety comes first.

Useful Websites for Students

Videos, quizzes and advice on staying safe when using social media, gaming or sharing images online.

Thinkuknow (Aged 11–18)

Help with social media pressure, screen time, gaming and online friendships.

Resources for 11-19s - UK Safer Internet Centre

If you're upset or worried, you can talk to someone 24/7.

Childline

At St Aldhelm’s Academy…

We teach online safety through:

• PSHE lessons

• Computing curriculum

• Assemblies

• Tutor-time sessions

• Safer Internet Day - Tuesday 10 February 2026

Our aim is to help every student become a confident, respectful and responsible digital citizen.