Understanding Online Risks
Parental Controls & Tools
Keeping Your Child Safe on Social Media
Recognising Cyberbullying & Grooming
AI & Your Child’s Digital Life
National Online Safety Policies
Cybersafe PARENT
PARENT information page
The internet is a huge part of everyday life, offering learning opportunities, entertainment, and social connections. However, it also presents risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, misinformation, and exposure to harmful content. As a parent, staying informed about your child’s online world is essential in helping them navigate it safely and responsibly.
This page provides practical guidance on key online safety topics, including social media privacy, cybercrime awareness, AI risks, and parental controls. By understanding these issues, you can better support your child in developing healthy digital habits and critical thinking skills.
At Bournemouth School for Girls, we are committed to online safety education, working with parents to create a secure digital environment for every pupil. Whether your child is using social media, gaming, or exploring AI tools, our goal is to provide you with knowledge and resources to help them stay safe.
Understanding Online Risks
Parental Controls & Tools
Keeping Your Child Safe on Social Media
Recognising Cyberbullying & Grooming
AI & Your Child’s Digital Life
National Online Safety Policies
Understanding Online Risks
The internet is an essential part of children’s lives, but it also presents risks such as cyberbullying, scams, exposure to harmful content, and online predators. Many risks come from social media, gaming, and AI-driven content, making it crucial for parents to stay informed.
Talk to your child about online safety, privacy settings, and responsible internet use. Encourage open conversationsso they feel comfortable discussing any concerns. Regularly checking their online activity without invading their privacy can help prevent issues before they escalate.
🔗 Useful Links:
Parental Controls & Tools
Parental controls help limit access to age-inappropriate content, manage screen time, and monitor online activity. Most devices, social media platforms, and gaming consoles have built-in settings that allow parents to restrict content, block certain websites, and set time limits.
Use tools like Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, and Microsoft Family Safety to manage screen usage. Encourage healthy internet habits by setting device-free zones, such as at mealtimes or before bed.
🔗 Useful Links:
Keeping Your Child Safe on Social Media
Social media can be an amazing tool for connection and learning, but it also comes with risks with children, including privacy breaches, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. At BSG we do not encourage the use of social media, however we understand students are accessing it and so want parents kept informed and aware of the risks. Ensure your child’s accounts are set to private, and discuss the importance of not sharing personal details.
Encourage your child to think before they post, as anything shared online can become permanent. Remind them to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life and to report or block any inappropriate interactions.
🔗 Useful Links:
Recognising Cyberbullying & Grooming
Cyberbullying can take many forms, including hurtful messages, spreading rumours, and exclusion from online groups. Look out for changes in your child’s mood, reluctance to use devices, or withdrawing from friends. If you suspect cyberbullying, encourage them to speak up, document the abuse, and report the behaviour.
Online grooming is when predators befriend children online to exploit them. Groomers often use flattery and secrecy to gain trust. Teach your child to never share personal details, avoid private chats with strangers, and report any suspicious messages immediately.
🔗 Useful Links:
AI & Your Child’s Digital Life
AI is changing how children interact with the internet, from AI chatbots and deepfakes to social media algorithms. While AI can be a powerful learning tool, it also poses risks, such as misinformation, privacy breaches, and reliance on AI-generated content.
Teach your child to question what they see online, especially AI-generated videos or deepfake content. Encourage critical thinking when using AI chatbots and make them aware that not all online information is trustworthy.
🔗 Useful Links:
National Online Safety PolicieS
At Bournemouth School for Girls, we take online safety seriously. Our policies ensure that pupils are educated on responsible internet use, cybersecurity, and AI awareness. We provide guidance on acceptable online behaviour, reporting procedures, and digital citizenship.
Additionally, UK law has strong protections for children online, including the UK Online Safety Act and guidelines from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Stay informed about these policies to support your child’s safety online.
🔗 Useful Links: