Online Safety Support for Families
At St Mary’s, we encourage families to work together with school to help children enjoy the benefits of technology safely and responsibly. Online safety is an important part of our safeguarding work at St Mary’s. Through our PSHE and Computing curriculum, worship and regular safeguarding discussions, pupils learn how to stay safe online, behave respectfully when using technology, make sensible choices about the games and apps they use, and know what to do if something online worries them. We encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home and have provided the resources below to help support families.
Need advice? Please speak to your child’s class teacher or the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead if you have any concerns about your child’s online safety.
In an Emergency
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999.
If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, please contact school as soon as possible so that we can help and signpost appropriate support.
The organisations below offer trusted advice, guidance and support for parents and carers.
Online Safety Centre
Online Safety Advice for Parents – just click the button and type in your question to see a wide range of advice.
Stockton on Tees Family Hubs
Offers information, advice and support for families across Stockton, including wellbeing, workshops and courses.
Best for: Local family support and wellbeing advice.
Family Help Point (Stockton on Tees)
Offers a first point of contact for anyone worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, including online safety.
Best for: Extra support when online issues are affecting wellbeing, behaviour, relationships or attendance.
Internet Matters
A comprehensive website with practical advice on apps, gaming, social media, screen time and parental controls. Resources are organised by age, making it easy to find relevant guidance for your child.
Best for: General online safety advice for parents.
NSPCC Net Aware
Provides up-to-date information about popular apps, games and social media platforms so that parents can better understand potential risks, age ratings and safety features.
Best for: Understanding the apps and games children are using.
Childnet
Offers parent guides, conversation starters and practical resources to support children in developing safe and positive online habits.
Best for: Family-friendly advice and discussion prompts.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Provides online safety tips, guides and resources for parents, children and schools, including advice on reporting online concerns.
Best for: Current online safety information and support.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
If you are concerned that a child is being contacted online in a way that feels unsafe, inappropriate or exploitative, CEOP provides advice and a direct reporting service.
Best for: Reporting serious online safeguarding concerns.
