E-Safety

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We are committed to promoting online safety for the whole school community at St. Matthew's.

 

Technology and children's wellbeing

Devices such as tablets, phones and gaming consoles are now a regular part of children’s lives. While they can support learning, creativity and communication, it is important that their use is balanced and carefully managed.

Research shows that too much screen time can impact children’s wellbeing, with studies linking high usage to increased emotional and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety and low mood. 

Excessive use of devices can also affect sleep. Studies have found that using screens, especially before bedtimes, associated with shorter sleep, difficulty falling asleep and poorer sleep quality. 

There are also impacts on social development and physical health, as increased screen use can reduce time spent on face-to-face interaction, play and physical activity. Recent UK guidance highlights concerns around effects on language, attention and overall development when screen time is excessive. 

Supporting healthy digital habits at home:

  • Set clear limits on screen time

  • Avoid devices before bedtime

  • Keep track of what children are accessing

  • Promote offline activities and family time

By working together, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while maintaining healthy, balanced lifestyles.

Thank you for your support.

 

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  • For our children

    We teach e-safety throughout each half term using Project Evolve and throughout our HeartSmart PSHE lessons. Our Digital Leaders provide child-to-child learning, collaborate with the Online Safety Group, and much more. We carry out a range of surveys, as well as hosting whole school and key stage assemblies. We host competitions and work with other organisations, such as Childnet. We have our rules for online safety on display throughout the school. Every child signs an Acceptable Use Agreement, at the beginning of the academic year.

  • For our staff

    We provide regular training, collaborate with others and we carry out surveys. All governors, staff and volunteers read and sign our Acceptable Use Agreements annually.

  • For the rest of our school community

    We tweet (on our school Twitter page) posters with lots of information about various online topics/ issues. We share information weekly in our newsletter. We host workshops to create a greater awareness of current issues. We carry out surveys and we provide training opportunities. We encourage all families to read and acknowledge our Acceptable Use Agreement and to create their own rules for internet safety, at home. We report annually an overview of e-safety issues that have arisen within our school. We offer families to anonymously report internet safety. E-safety and linked policies are available on the school website.
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The 8 core areas of e-safety

  1. Self-image and identity

  2. Online relationships

  3. Online reputation

  4. Online bullying

  5. Managing online information

  6. Health, wellbeing and lifestyle

  7. Privacy and security

  8. Copyright and ownership

Our progression statements have been developed from the following document:

E-Safety Progression of Knowledge

UK Council for Internet Safety: Education for a Connected World

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The following documents and website links have lots of information to help parents and carers. These will be updated regularly so please keep checking this page.

Documents

Documents

Links

Links

Guides for Parents and Carers

Guides for Parents and Carers