Online Safety
At Holsworthy Community College, we are committed to helping our students use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly. The online world offers many exciting opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection — but it also brings potential risks.
We teach our students how to stay safe online, make sensible choices, and understand how their actions can affect themselves and others. Through our curriculum, assemblies, and pastoral support, we promote safe and positive online behaviour both in and out of school.
We also work closely with parents and carers to provide guidance and support, ensuring that together we help our young people navigate the digital world with confidence and care.
How to report
Always be careful when you are using the internet. It can help you to keep in touch with your friends and help your education – but it can also cause harm – to you and to others.
Remember help is always available at school if you are having any problems online.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher or another adult at school.
If you or anyone you know is worried about Child Exploitation, Online Protection or anything related to Internet safety please click the link below which will take you to the CEOP reporting website:
Report an Issue to CEOP below:
CEOP Reporting or Text your problem to:📱07540725836
Available Resources:
Online Vulnerability Awareness Resources
National Online Safety
You can find a wide range of helpful guides on different digital platforms at:National Online Safety
They also offer a free app with accessible courses and resources on online safety, presented by Myleene Klass.
Download for Apple:
Apple App Store | #WakeUpWednesday
Download for Android:
Google Play Store | #WakeUpWednesday
CEOP Helpful Links
Age 5 - 7
Ages 8 - 10
Ages 11 - 13
Tips for Children: Staying Safe Online
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Keep new online friends strictly online — don’t meet people you’ve only spoken to on the internet.
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If someone you don’t know contacts you or makes you uncomfortable, tell an adult immediately.
Learn how to use the CEOP Report Button and how to report any concerning behaviour: CEOP - Report Abuse
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Never share personal information (like your full name, address, school, or photos) with people you don’t know.
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Think before you post — once something is online, it can be shared or copied forever.
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Be kind and respectful online, just as you would be face-to-face.
Help for Parents and Carers
Communication is Key
Talk regularly with your child about what they do online. Build trust, set expectations, and make sure they know they can talk to you if anything worries them.
Use Parental Controls
Use a parental control system to filter inappropriate content and create set “activity times” for online access.
Interactive Parental Controls Guide – Internet Matters
Be Careful What You Post
Remind your child not to share personal information or images of others online.
A UK study found that 46% of children have given personal details to someone they met online.
Switch Off Sometimes
Consider making bedrooms a low- or no-tech zone at night. Children need rest and time away from screens for healthy development.
Set Clear Boundaries
Establish rules for screen time, agree on consequences, and use tools like parental controls to help enforce limits while building trust.
Top Resources for Parents
How to Set Parental Controls
How to Set Privacy Settings on Social Media:
Platform-Specific Safety Pages:
How to Report a Problem
If you or your child experience online bullying or abuse:
Online Gaming Safety
Staying Safe on Popular Platforms:
Signs of Gaming Addiction
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Spending most free time gaming or online.
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Fatigue or falling asleep in class.
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Falling behind on homework or grades.
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Lying about time spent gaming.
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Withdrawing from friends or activities.
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Irritability when not playing.
Online gaming addiction can be linked to curiosity, role-playing, belonging, and reward (Hsu et al., 2009).
Those struggling may use games to manage difficult emotions (Hussain et al., 2009).
Support & Information:
Learn More & Share with Your Child
What Students Learn at School
Through Computing, Life Skills, and Online Safety sessions, students learn to:
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Protect their personal information and privacy.
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Manage screen time and online habits.
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Recognise and report cyberbullying and online abuse.
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Understand sexting, consent, and sharing digital content.
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Spot fake news, scams, and online manipulation.
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Respect copyright and data protection laws.
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Use technology with kindness and integrity.
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Think critically before posting or sharing online.
“If you’re worried or upset by something online, talk to someone who can help.”
Digital Leaders Programme
We are developing a Digital Leaders Programme to empower students to become online safety ambassadors.
Digital Leaders receive training to support their peers, parents, and teachers in promoting safe, responsible, and creative use of technology.
Need Help or Advice?
If you have any concerns about online safety, please contact:
Mr J. Richards
Online Safety Coordinator
jrichards@hccdevon.org
If an inappropriate or harmful image of you is shared online, visit:
Report and Remove an Image – NSPCC