Staying Safe Online

At Lanercost C of E School, our approach to technology is rooted in our Christian vision to live life in all its fullness. We believe digital learning should enhance curiosity, creativity and connection, enabling children to flourish academically, socially and spiritually. In line with national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Teaching Online Safety in Schools, online safety is embedded within our safeguarding culture and reflects our commitment to dignity, wisdom and respect for all.

Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, including Computing and Relationships and Health Education, children are taught to navigate the digital world with discernment and integrity. They learn how to protect personal information, understand privacy and consent, evaluate the reliability of information and recognise misinformation. They are explicitly taught how to respond if they encounter something that causes concern and are confident in seeking support from trusted adults. This proactive teaching empowers children to act wisely and responsibly, both in school and beyond.

Our Christian values shape how we approach online behaviour. Children are encouraged to demonstrate kindness, honesty and courage in digital spaces, understanding that their actions online carry the same moral responsibility as those offline. They explore themes such as digital footprints, respectful communication and the impact of cyberbullying, reflecting on how their choices can either build others up or cause harm. In this way, digital literacy becomes part of their wider spiritual and moral development.

The children learn how to be safe on the internet through the SMART acronym.