🛡️ Safeguarding in the Digital Age: How to Keep Your Child Safe Online in Derbyshire
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In today’s connected world, children are spending more time online than ever before—whether for learning, gaming, or socialising. While the internet offers many benefits, it also presents risks that can affect a child’s safety and wellbeing.
📊 Online Safety in Derbyshire: What the Data Shows
Recent surveys and reports highlight growing concerns about online safety amongst children in Derbyshire:
- 80% of primary school teachers in Derbyshire reported at least one safeguarding incident linked to online safety in the past year.
- 36% of teachers said these incidents are increasing, especially involving scams and inappropriate content.
- 33% of teachers said a child in their class had been a victim of an online scam.
- Children often stay silent about negative online experiences due to fear, uncertainty, or believing nothing will change.
These figures show that online safety is not just a secondary school issue—it affects children of all ages.
At Tupton Hall School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with families and local organisations such as the Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (DDSCP) to ensure our students are protected both offline and online
Here are top tips and examples to help parents and carers keep children safe online:
💬 1. Start Open Conversations Early
Tip: Make online safety part of everyday chats—like during dinner or car journeys.
Example: Ask your child, “What’s your favourite app right now?” or “Have you seen anything online that made you feel uncomfortable?”
This builds trust and encourages your child to speak up if something goes wrong.
🔒 2. Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings
Tip: Set up parental controls on devices, apps, and your home Wi-Fi. Review privacy settings regularly.
Example: On Instagram, you can make your child’s account private and restrict who can follow or message them.
Visit NSPCC Online Safety for step-by-step guides on setting controls.
🧠 3. Teach Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy
Tip: Help your child understand that not everything online is true or safe.
Example: Discuss fake news, scams, and how to spot misleading content. Encourage them to ask questions like, “Who posted this?” or “Is this source reliable?”
🧍♂️ 4. Keep Devices in Shared Spaces
Tip: Encourage screen time in communal areas like the living room or kitchen.
Example: This allows you to casually monitor activity and step in if needed—especially during gaming or video streaming.
🧑🤝🧑 5. Know Who They’re Talking To
Tip: Regularly check your child’s friends list and online contacts.
Example: Remind them that people online may not be who they say they are. If they receive messages from strangers, they should tell a trusted adult immediately.
🕒 6. Set Healthy Screen Time Limits
Tip: Balance online time with offline activities like sports, reading, or family outings.
Example: Create a weekly schedule that includes homework, gaming, and downtime. Adjust based on age and needs
📱 7. Understand the Apps and Games They Use
Tip: Familiarise yourself with popular platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Roblox, and Discord.
Example: Use resources like Internet Matters to learn about safety features and age ratings.
🧑🏫 8. Stay Informed About Local Safeguarding Support
In Derbyshire, the DDSCP provides guidance, training, and resources to help families and schools protect children from online harm. If you're worried about a child, you can contact them directly at ddscp@derby.gov.uk or contact school urgently.
📣 Final Thoughts
Online safety is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, setting boundaries, and keeping communication open, you can help your child enjoy the digital world safely and confidently.
For more support, visit our Safeguarding and Online Safety page or speak to a member of our pastoral team.