At St Benet’s RC Primary School, we recognise that the internet, gaming platforms, and digital devices form an integral part of modern life for our children. While technology presents incredible opportunities for learning and discovery, keeping our children safe online requires a active partnership between home and school.

In line with statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines and our Catholic ethos, we are dedicated to empowering our pupils to navigate the digital world responsibly, safely, and respectfully.

The South Tyneside Online Safety Hub (by ICT in Schools)

We are proud to partner with ICT in Schools to provide our parents and carers with free, full access to the South Tyneside Online Safety Hub.

This hub offers practical, plain-English advice on popular apps, social media, online gaming platforms, screen time limits, and digital wellbeing.

  • 🌐 Visit the South Tyneside Online Safety Hub
  • 📱 Free Qustodio Parental Controls: Through the Hub, parents can access free tools and software (including Qustodio) to set age-appropriate filters, manage device schedules, and monitor home online activity.

Key Parent Resources & Trusted Links

We encourage all parents and carers to explore these verified digital safety tools:

  • 🛡️ National Crime Agency – Thinkuknow: Age-tailored games, videos, and advice for children aged 4–11 and their parents.
  • 🤝 UK Safer Internet Centre: Practical guides on setting up parental controls across home Wi-Fi networks, smartphones, and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch).
  • 💚 NSPCC Online Safety Support: Advice on managing online gaming, social networking, cyberbullying, and smart devices at home.
  • 🚨 CEOP Safety Centre: Direct portal to report inappropriate digital contact, online grooming, or sexual abuse concerns to law enforcement.

4 Practical Tips for Online Safety at Home

  1. Start the Conversation Early: Talk regularly with your child about what apps, games, and videos they enjoy. Open communication makes it easier for them to come to you if something upsets them online.
  2. Set Boundaries Together: Establish clear family rules regarding screen time, screen-free bedrooms at night, and appropriate content.
  3. Activate Default Controls: Ensure social media accounts, YouTube, and gaming profiles are set strictly to Private. Turn off location-sharing services.
  4. Use Filtering & Monitoring: Use your internet provider’s parental control filters alongside the South Tyneside Online Safety Hub resources to block harmful content.

We have also attached an internet safety leaflet alongside a home school agreement for parents and children to read together and sign. This promotes a sense of responsibility and ownership towards this important learning.

E-Safety – A Parents Guide

E-Safety – Pupil Guidance and Cyber Agreement

E-Safety – Guidance For Staff

CyberSafety and Protocols for Conducting Online Life

School Policies & Acceptable Use Agreements

To foster a shared sense of responsibility, all pupils, parents, and staff sign our Acceptable Use Agreements at the beginning of the school year. You can view and download our policy documentation below:

Have Concerns About Online Safety?

If you have a concern about online safety, cyberbullying, or digital conduct involving a pupil at St Benet’s, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) via the school office: