️Digital Safeguarding at Valley Gardens Middle School

At Valley Gardens, we believe that safeguarding extends beyond the school gates. In today’s connected world, helping children stay safe online is just as important as keeping them safe in person. This page is here to support parents and carers with practical advice, trusted resources, and clear guidance on digital safeguarding.

What Is Digital Safeguarding?

Digital safeguarding means protecting children from risks they may encounter online, including:

  • Inappropriate content (e.g. violence, pornography)
  • Cyberbullying or online harassment
  • Grooming or exploitation
  • Oversharing personal information
  • Exposure to harmful behaviours (e.g. self-harm, radicalisation)
  • Excessive screen time and digital wellbeing concerns

It’s not about banning technology—it’s about helping children use it safely, responsibly, and positively.

‍‍How Can Parents Support Digital Safety?

You don’t need to be a tech expert to help your child stay safe online. What matters most is open communication, curiosity, and clear boundaries. Here are some simple steps:

  • Talk regularly about what they do online and who they interact with
  • Set age-appropriate boundaries for apps, games, and screen time
  • Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices
  • Encourage kindness, respect, and critical thinking online
  • Know where to go for help if something goes wrong

Trusted UK Resources for Parents

Here are some excellent websites offering free advice, tools, and support:

Resource Description Link
UK Safer Internet Centre Guides for parents on phones, tablets, smart TVs, social media, and more. Includes conversation starters and reporting advice.
NSPCC Online Safety Hub Covers everything from sexting and grooming to SEND-friendly advice and tech tips. Includes quizzes and conversation guides.
Parentkind Online Safety Toolkit Practical advice on screen time, digital wellbeing, cyberbullying, and being a positive digital role model.

Digital Wellbeing Matters Too

Online safety isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s also about building healthy habits. Encourage:

  • Device-free time before bed
  • Balanced screen use with offline activities
  • Positive digital role modelling as a family
  • Open conversations about feelings, friendships, and online pressures

Harmful Apps & Gaming Risks: What Parents Should Know

Apps and games can be fun, creative, and social—but they also come with risks that aren’t always obvious. Some platforms may expose children to:

  • Inappropriate content or language
  • Contact with strangers or grooming risks
  • In-game bullying or exclusion
  • Pressure to spend money on in-app purchases or loot boxes
  • Addictive gameplay and excessive screen time
  • Data sharing and privacy concerns

Understanding what your child is using—and how it works—is the first step to keeping them safe.

Helpful Resources for Parents

Here are some excellent UK-based guides to help you stay informed:

Resource What It Covers Link
NSPCC – Online Games Guide Explains game types, age ratings, chat functions, in-game purchases, and how to report problems.
Internet Matters – Gaming Risks Hub Covers cyberbullying, grooming, addiction, scams, and how to set boundaries and controls.
INEQUE safeguarding Hub You can sign up for a free account and will get info about specific games and apps

 Tips for Talking About Apps & Games

  • Ask your child what they enjoy playing and why
  • Explore games together—let them teach you how they work
  • Use age ratings and parental controls to set boundaries
  • Encourage breaks and balance with offline activities
  • Remind them never to share personal details or passwords

Setting Boundaries: Parental Controls & Device Security

Whether your child uses a phone, tablet, laptop, or games console, there are simple tools available to help you manage access and keep them safe. These controls can help you:

  • Block inappropriate content
  • Limit screen time
  • Restrict app downloads and purchases
  • Control who can contact your child
  • Protect privacy and personal data

You don’t need to be a tech expert—these guides walk you through it step by step.

Trusted UK Resources for Device Safety

Resource What It Offers Link
NSPCC – Parental Controls Guide Clear advice on setting up controls across WiFi, phones, tablets, games consoles, and more. Includes tips for filtering content and managing screen time.
UK Safer Internet Centre – Parents’ Tech Guides Device-specific guides for phones, tablets, smart TVs, consoles, and social media platforms. Includes FAQs and safety tips.
Which? – Smartphone & Social Media Controls Practical walkthroughs for setting up restrictions on iPhones, Android devices, and popular apps.

Quick Tips for Getting Started

  • Use built-in parental controls (e.g. Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link)
  • Set age restrictions for app downloads and media content
  • Turn off location sharing and limit data collection
  • Review privacy settings on social media and games
  • Create device-free zones (e.g. bedrooms, mealtimes)

Need Help or Have Concerns?

If you’re worried about something your child has seen or experienced online, please don’t hesitate to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr Matthew Hope. We’re here to listen, support, and guide you.

Reporting Serious Online Concerns

If you’re worried that your child is being groomed, sexually exploited, or targeted online in a way that makes them feel scared, unsafe, or at risk—please know that help is available.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) is part of the UK police and specialises in protecting children from online abuse. You can make a report directly to CEOP if:

  • An adult is making inappropriate contact with your child online
  • You suspect grooming or sexual exploitation
  • Your child has shared or been pressured to share sexual images
  • Something online has made your child feel frightened or unsafe

CEOP reports are reviewed by trained Child Protection Advisors who will contact you to offer support and guidance. Your child is never to blame, and CEOP will work with you to keep them safe.

– This link takes you to CEOP’s official Safety Centre for parents.

If your child is in immediate danger, call 999.

You can also speak to the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000