Why Parents Matter
At Barnes Primary, we believe that keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility. Technology is a big part of everyday life, and the conversations you have at home make a huge difference. This page is designed to give you practical advice and trusted resources to help your child use technology safely and positively. We don’t expect you to be experts, but we know that by working together we have the best chance of keeping all children safe online and offline.
Digital family agreement
Step by step guides to parental controls
Top Tips for Online Safety
Keep devices in shared spaces so you can see what your child is doing.
Talk regularly about apps, games and websites they use.
Set age-appropriate boundaries for screen time and online platforms.
Encourage openness – let your child know they can come to you if something feels wrong.
Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps.
Model good habits – children learn from what we do online.
Guides for Key Topics
Managing Screen Time
Internet Matters – Screen Time Advice Hub
Childnet – Screen Time Guidance for Parents
Social Media Safety
Internet Matters – Social Media Guide for Parents
Internet Matters – Social Media Safety Checklist
Childnet – Parents and Carers Toolkit
Gaming Safety
Internet Matters – Online Gaming Advice Hub
Internet Matters – Online Gaming Resources
Cyberbullying
Internet Matters – Cyberbullying Advice
Childnet – Cyberbullying Advice for Parents
Internet Matters – Cyberbullying Parent Guide PDF
Digital Footprints
Childnet – Digital Footprint Blog
Internet Matters – Digital Resilience Toolkit (11–13 Year Olds)
Internet Matters – Digital Resilience Guide PDF
Recommended Resources
Thinkuknow – Online safety advice for all ages.
Parentzone – Useful newsletter to keep up to date with the online world
Common sense media – app, game and film guides
Childnet – Practical tips and guides for families.
Internet Matters – Parental control guides and advice.
NSPCC Online Safety – Support for parents and carers.
LGfL ParentSafe Hub – A comprehensive resource for parents on online safety, screen time, and privacy settings.
Our Safer Schools Hub – Guides, podcasts, and updates on social media trends and safeguarding tips.
School Support
If you have concerns or questions, please speak to your child’s teacher or contact the safeguarding team. We also run parent workshops during the year to keep families informed about the latest online safety advice.
