Internet Safety

🌐 Safer Internet Day 2026

Creating a safer, kinder digital world — together.

Safer Internet Day 2026 is an international event that promotes the safe, responsible, and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. At Redlands Primary School, we believe that learning how to stay safe online is just as important as learning in the classroom.

On this day, our school community comes together to explore how we can use the internet wisely, respectfully, and confidently.

💡 Why Safer Internet Day matters

The internet is an amazing place to learn, connect, and create — but it also comes with challenges. Safer Internet Day helps students to:

Understand how to stay safe online
Recognise and respond to online bullying or harmful content
Protect their personal information and privacy
Develop respectful and responsible online behaviour
Build confidence to speak up and seek help when something feels wrong

🧑‍🎓 What’s happening at our school

To mark Safer Internet Day 2026, students will take part in age-appropriate activities such as:

Classroom discussions about online safety and digital wellbeing
Lessons on privacy, passwords, and social media awareness
Activities focused on kindness and respect online

These sessions encourage students to think critically about their online choices and empower them to make smart decisions.

👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting online safety at home

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online. We encourage families to:

Talk regularly with children about their online experiences
Set clear expectations for internet and device use
Encourage children to report anything that makes them uncomfortable
Explore parental controls and privacy settings together

Useful resources will be shared to help continue these conversations at home.

📱 20 apps parents and carers should be aware of

Many popular apps, games, and platforms are designed for social interaction. While these can be fun and creative, some features may expose children and young people to risks if not used safely or age-appropriately.

Below are examples of apps that parents and carers should be aware of, along with why supervision and open conversations are important.

Social Media & Messaging Apps

Snapchat – Messages and photos disappear, which can encourage oversharing. Location sharing may reveal real-time whereabouts.
Instagram – Direct messages allow contact from strangers, and there can be pressure around appearance, likes, and followers.
TikTok – Users may be exposed to inappropriate content, comments, or live interactions with strangers.
WhatsApp – Group chats can spread messages, images, or bullying quickly.
Telegram – Encrypted messaging makes conversations harder for adults to monitor.
Kik Messenger – Allows anonymous accounts and private messaging.
Discord – Chat servers linked to gaming or interests may be unmoderated.
Reddit – Some forums contain adult, violent, or extreme content.

Gaming & Live Streaming Platforms

Roblox – Includes chat features where children may interact with people they don’t know.
Fortnite – Voice chat allows real-time communication with other players.
Twitch – Live streams and chats can expose children to unmoderated comments.
YouTube – Suggested videos, comments, and live streams may include inappropriate material.

Live Video & “Meet New People” Apps

OmeTV – Random video chats with strangers.
Monkey – Pairs users in random video calls.
Yubo – Designed to meet new people; includes live streaming.
LiveMe – Allows users to broadcast live to public audiences.

Other Apps to Be Aware Of

BeReal – Encourages instant photo sharing, which may lead to oversharing.
Hoop – Connects with Snapchat to add new contacts quickly.
Calculator+ (or similar apps) – Disguised apps used to hide photos or messages.
Bumble – A dating app; some under-18s may still gain access despite age limits.

🛡️ What parents and carers can do

Rather than banning apps, the most effective approach is communication and guidance. We encourage families to:

Talk regularly about which apps children are using and why
Check age ratings and privacy settings together
Agree clear boundaries for screen time and online behaviour
Encourage children to speak up if something makes them uncomfortable
Remind children they will never be “in trouble” for asking for help

🤝 Our message to students

Being online should feel safe, fun, and respectful. Knowing when to pause, block, report, or ask for help is a sign of strength — not weakness.

🤝 Our commitment

At Redlands Primary School, online safety is not just one day — it’s an ongoing priority. Safer Internet Day reinforces our commitment to creating a supportive environment where students feel safe, informed, and confident both online and offline.

Together, we can build a better internet for everyone.

For more information, help and advice, please visit: Safer Internet Day 2026 - UK Safer Internet Centre

The NSPCC also offer free online safety webinars for groups or parents and carers. For more information on this and advice on how to discuss online safety with your child, please visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/