Computing and the internet  has had a really positive impact on society, especially for children. They now have access to so much information and can learn about the world in ways that weren’t possible before. With just a few taps, they can find answers to questions or see what life is like in different countries almost instantly. Communication is also much easier now, with things like video calls making it simple to stay in touch with friends and family no matter where they are.

However, there are also risks that come with this. Children don’t always fully understand how technology works, which can make them more vulnerable online. As technology continues to develop, these risks are also growing.

Because of this, it’s really important for schools and families to work together to help children use technology safely. This means teaching them not only about the dangers but also how to protect themselves. At Blaydon West children are given opportunities to learn about online safety through lessons where they look at different situations and discuss how to respond in a safe and responsible way, both for themselves and for others. We use a scheme called Teach Computing aligned with our PSHE Curriculum. We are also subscribed to The National College who produce these guides that we regularly send out to parents. 

We encourage you to use this as a reference guide when supporting your children.