Years 8-11 Online Safety Letter 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

We hope your child has had a positive start to the new school year at John Cabot Academy.

As students grow older, we know that many of them use mobile phones and devices to stay connected with friends, access social media, and play games. While we understand the role technology plays in their lives, we would like to remind you that phones and devices must not be used during the school day. This helps maintain a safe, focused learning environment for all.

Please also be aware that most social media platforms have age restrictions but, in the UK, many of them are suitable for use from the age of 13 (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok etc) and so your child(ren) may have begun using them. Be aware that, if a child misuses these platforms, the adult responsible for the phone contract may also be held accountable.

We have a clear and robust anti-bullying policy, which includes online behaviour. We do not tolerate any form of bullying—whether face-to-face or digital. If we receive evidence of bullying or threats, we will take appropriate action. This may include:

• A meeting with parents/carers
• Logging the incident in our bullying records
• Asking the student to sign a behaviour agreement
• In serious cases, issuing a school exclusion
• Repeated incidents will lead to further consequences

While we manage any misuse of technology in school, most online issues occur outside of school hours. Please note that phones must be switched off and out of sight between 8:40am and 3:00pm. If a phone is seen or heard during this time, it will be confiscated.

To help keep your child safe online, we recommend the following:

• Check your child’s messages and chats regularly. This is part of safeguarding, not an invasion of privacy. It is especially important that you check their settings with them as many apps might share the location of our child(ren) if not deactivated.
• Use parental controls to manage what your child can access. Visit Internet Matters for guidance on setting up controls on phones, consoles, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi. https://www.internetmatters.org Use Parental Controls to Keep Your Child Safe | NSPCC
• Talk openly about online safety. The NSPCC offers helpful advice on supporting children’s wellbeing online. Supporting children’s wellbeing online | NSPCC
• Be aware of AI tools and how your child may be using them. Artificial intelligence safety tips for parents | NSPCC
• Encourage your child to block and leave any chats where someone is being unkind or threatening. • Report serious online abuse or threats to the police by calling 101 or through the following online form: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/

If your child has been affected by something online, please let us know. You can also contact their Year Team for support. At our Parent/Carer evenings across the year, our Safeguarding Team will be available to speak with you directly, but we are also looking at providing some support for families in other bespoke sessions – please do let us know if there is anything in particular you would like support with.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep all our students safe, respectful, and ready to learn.

Yours sincerely,

Gemma Read

Vice Principal