Course Pupils

At Abercarn Primary School, we teach pupils how to stay safe online using 'SMART'. We regularly remind pupils what each letter stands for and talk about examples of different dangers.

On this page, we've put together a collection of links and videos that children and parents can use at home.

Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents or carers permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time. 

Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information with other websites, books or someone who knows. If you like chatting online it's best to only chat to your real world friends and famil

Watch this video to see what not to share online

Video which shows children how to deal with popups

Watch this video for some tips to stay safe online.

Being online can be exciting and fun - but some things online can leave you feeling upset, worried or confused. If you feel any of these things when you're online it's important to know where to get help.

Talk to someone!

It's great to talk and it can really help you feel better about things. There are lots of people you can talk to, such as friends, family members and teachers.

Make a report.

If something has happened on a service like a game or social media site, you might be able to make a report. You can often report other users if they've done something to upset or worry you. You can also report content - such as hurtful comments or upsetting photos that you don't want to see.

Call ChildLine.

If you're really unsure about what to do and you don't have anyone you can talk to, then remember you can always call ChildLine on 0800 11 11 or visit there website form more advice.

What should I do if someone I only know online makes me feel uncomfortable?

Talk to an adult you trust. If someone you only know online, ever asks:

• to meet up with you,
• for photos or videos of you,
• for your personal information,

You can also report them to the police using the ThinkUKnow website.This website is run by CEOP who are part of the police and work to stop strangers online trying to meet up with young people.

The Internet has become an integral part of our and our children's lives. A world has opened up which offers many positive opportunities. According to Ofcom, (2013), the majority of parents agree with the statement: "I trust my child to use the Internet safely" (83%). However, only 43% of 8-11-year-olds are very confident in knowing how to stay safe online. It is therefore important that parents and carers are aware of the way in which their children use the Internet; talk to them about the risk of going online and assist them to use the Internet safely and responsibly.

This is what research tells us:

• Nearly half (48%) of 7- to 11-year-olds in Wales use social media a few times a week or more .
• Across the UK, 97% of children aged 3-17 went online in 2022; even among 3-4-year-olds, it was 87% .
• By March 2023 in England & Wales, 92.6% of 10- to 15-year-olds went online daily or almost daily; 58% spent at least 3 hours a day online on school days •

Children start using computers from a very early age and are increasingly using the Internet more and more whether at home, in school, on their mobile phones or on a games console. With this in mind, Internet safety and knowing how to help protect children and young people online is essential.

Just as we want to keep our child safe in the 'real' offline world, we will want to do the same in the virtual online world. It is important that we understand enough about the Internet to keep our children safe from harm but it is equally important that we equip our children with the skills they need to keep themselves safe so they can experience the Internet positively and responsibly.

Take a look at these links below for more ideas and tips for keeping your children safe online...