Madeley Academy
Keeping Young People Safe Online
At Madeley Academy, we are committed to helping all students stay safe and confident in the online world. We recognise that technology plays a major role in young people’s lives, both in school and at home, and we work closely with parents and carers to ensure students can use it safely and responsibly.
Our Approach to Online Safety
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Online Safety Act, we take a proactive, whole-school approach to online safety. This means we:
- Teach students how to stay safe online
- Monitor and filter internet use in school
- Respond quickly to any concerns
- Work in partnership with families
Safe Use of Technology in School
All students must read and agree to our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) before using school systems.
While in school, students benefit from:
- A filtered and monitored internet connection
- Safeguarding systems that help identify potential risks
- Support from our Safeguarding Team if concerns arise
If a concern is identified, we will take appropriate action and may contact parents or carers where needed.
How We Teach Online Safety
Online safety is built into school life through:
- ICT and Computing lessons
- Assemblies and tutor time
- Regular updates based on new online trends and risks
We ensure students understand important issues such as:
- Cyberbullying
- Online scams and misinformation
- Privacy and digital footprints
- Exploitation and online risks
Support for Parents & Carers
We know that online safety does not stop at the school gate. To support you, we provide a range of helpful resources in the ‘Useful Links’ section, including:
Use links off existing webpage
- Social media checklists (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Roblox and more)
- A parent’s guide to supporting children through secondary school
- Age-specific online safety advice (11–13 and 14+)
- Guides to parental controls
- Children’s Commissioner resources
We also send out monthly newsletters to update you on current risks and trends to keep you informed and support you in keeping safe online.
Online Safety Newsletters & Video
To support our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and keeping our community informed, Madeley Academy provides regular online safety newsletters and short guidance videos for students, parents and carers. These updates highlight current trends, emerging risks and practical advice to help families navigate the online world safely. By sharing timely and accessible information, we aim to empower everyone in our school community to stay aware, make informed decisions and support young people in developing safe and responsible online behaviours.
Top Tips for Students
We encourage all students to follow these simple rules:
- Keep passwords safe and private
- Only accept messages or requests from people you know
- Think carefully before posting or sharing content
- Check privacy settings regularly
- Speak to a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right
Understanding Online Risks
Sharing Images (Sexting & Sextortion)
Students are taught:
- It is illegal to share explicit images if under 18
- People online may try to pressure or manipulate them
- Support is always available if they feel worried or unsafe
We provide guidance for both students and parents to manage these risks safely.
Online Grooming & Exploitation
Young people may be targeted online by individuals seeking to build trust and exploit them.
Students learn to recognise:
- Warning signs of grooming
- How to report concerns
- Where to get help
Helpful advice:
Working Together & Continuous Improvement
Madeley Academy is committed to continuously reviewing and strengthening its online safety practice. We use recognised tools such as the 360 Degree Safe Online Safety Self-Review Tool to evaluate and develop our provision, working towards recognised standards of excellence in safeguarding and online safety.
Online safety is a shared responsibility between school, students and families. By working together, we can ensure all young people:
- Stay safe online
- Make informed choices
- Build positive digital habits
At Madeley Academy, we are proud to support our students in becoming safe, responsible and confident users of technology.
Online Safety Links
https://saferinternet.org.uk
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
https://www.childnet.com/
https://www.internetmatters.org/
https://saferinternet.org.uk
https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
