Online Safety
At Bevington Primary School, we recognise how integral the digital world has become to children’s lives—whether for learning, playing, or connecting. That’s why we prioritise teaching our pupils how to use it safely, thoughtfully, and confidently.
Quick Tips for Parents
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Talk regularly with your child about what they do online and who they interact with—keep conversations open and judgement-free.
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Set clear rules for screen time, privacy settings, and what is appropriate to share.
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Model safe behaviour—let your child see you using the internet responsibly and respecting others online.
Age Restrictions for Popular Apps and Platforms
| App / Platform | Minimum Age (as per Terms of Service) | Notes for Parents |
|---|---|---|
| 16+ | End-to-end encrypted messaging; can share location, photos, videos | |
| TikTok | 13+ | Public by default; strong parental controls available |
| 13+ | Owned by Meta; includes messaging, photo/video sharing | |
| Snapchat | 13+ | Messages and images disappear but can be saved; location sharing feature |
| 13+ | Privacy settings need to be regularly checked | |
| YouTube | 13+ for own account | YouTube Kids available for younger children |
| Discord | 13+ | Voice, video, and text chat; often used by gaming communities |
| Roblox | 13+ recommended for unrestricted play | Parental controls available; in-game chat |
| Fortnite | 13+ recommended | Voice chat; in-game purchases |
| Twitch | 13+ | Live streaming platform, often gaming-related |
How We Support Children Online
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Regular Computing Classes: Online safety is embedded into our Computing curriculum, teaching children how to recognise risks, make smart choices online, and understand their digital footprint.
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Age-Appropriate Workshops: Pupils in Years 5 and 6 take part in dedicated online safety workshops, covering safe searching, respectful communication, and what to do if something goes wrong online.
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Open Conversations: We encourage safe, inclusive discussions in class so pupils can share experiences and ask questions without fear of judgement.
Why Online Safety Matters Now More Than Ever
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65% of children aged 8–12 have been contacted by a stranger online, often via games or social media.
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Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content can happen at an early age, sometimes before children fully understand the risks.
What You Can Do at Home
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Model Safe Sharing: Discuss what’s safe to share online and why.
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Use Trusted Resources: Visit CEOP and Internet Matters for up-to-date advice.
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Stay Informed Together: Keep learning alongside your child so you can guide them effectively.
Useful Support Links
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CEOP – Report online concerns: www.ceop.police.uk
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Internet Matters – Parental guides: www.internetmatters.org
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NSPCC Share Aware & Online Safety Helpline: 0808 800 5002