On-line safety

Children and young people spend a lot of time on-line – it can be a great way for them to socialise, explore and have fun. At Gusford we want to help young people and their families to get the most out of digital technologies, as well as dealing with any challenges that it might bring. Children must recognise that every click, every post, every purchase and every photo that they upload on-line leaves a digital footprint.

​It may feel daunting, but you don't need to be an expert on the internet. Understanding what children do online and the risks they face will help you keep your child safe on-line. It is important that we talk about the potential dangers to our children.

If you want to find out more information about on-line safety, we have attached some useful handouts and websites below. We publish regular updates on our Facebook page and in our weekly newsletter. You can also visit Alan Mackenzie's e-safety website for the very latest in on-line safety.

Should you have any queries or in need of any additional support, please feel free to contact our On-line Safety Co-Ordinator - Mrs Hopkins (Deputy Headteacher) or a member of our e-safety committew:

1. Mrs Carmen Hopkins (Lead DSL)
2. Mr Houng Lieu (ICT Technician)
3. Mr Stephen Tapley (Headteacher and DSL)
4. Mr Jamie Webber (Computing Lead)

 

Social Media Platforms

Most major social media platforms set a minimum age of 13 to create an account, driven by data privacy laws like COPPA, though many are implementing stricter age verification. As of April 2026, the UK and other nations are strengthening laws to require robust age checks (e.g., photo ID/facial scans). This means parents should not let their children access these platforms and need to take responsibility for their child's use of social media.

Key 2025-2026 Social Media Age Guidance Updates:

  • UK Online Safety Act (July 2025): Strict requirements for platforms to prevent under-18s from accessing harmful content via mandatory age verification.
  • Platform Specifics: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have introduced "teen accounts" or enhanced privacy protections (e.g., under-16s needing parental permission to change settings).
  • International Trends: While 13 is the typical minimum, countries like Australia and Brazil are implementing stricter age-verification laws, often targeting a 16+ threshold for unrestricted access.

 

On-line Gaming 20.4.26

On-line Safety Newsletters

Group Chats - May 2026 on Vimeo

 

On-line Parent Session May 2026

Follow this link to watch the online safety parent session that took place earlier in the week:

https://www.knowsleyclcs.org.uk/online-safety-parent-carer-session-may-2026/