On Wednesday, our pupils took part in powerful live online sessions alongside KA Rowner and schools from the King’s Academy Bay House Cluster, continuing our important work around online safety.

• Year 3 and Year 4 joined cluster schools for a shared session.
• Year 5 and Year 6 also met online together in a separate event.

We were delighted to welcome IT expert and former Police Officer Lee Hayward, who many of our parents will remember from the excellent workshop he delivered for families during the summer term. Lee reinforced clear and practical safeguarding messages in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Children were particularly struck by discussions around:

• How apps and platforms track what we look at and interact with, meaning technology can feel like it is “always watching”.
• The increasing difficulty in knowing what is real and what is AI-generated, including images, voices and videos.
• The impact of blue light from screens on sleep and wellbeing.
• Changes within platforms such as Roblox, and why privacy settings and age limits matter.
• Facial recognition technology and how personal data must be protected.
• The risks of online “friends” – reinforcing that real friends are people we genuinely know and see in real life.

Some pupils were genuinely shocked by how sophisticated technology has become. These moments prompted thoughtful questions and mature reflection.

Linking Back to Safer Internet Day – Tuesday 10 February

Today’s sessions built directly on our learning from Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 10 February, when we joined schools across the country in focusing on safe, smart and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We began that day with a whole-school assembly revisiting:

• The importance of age ratings for apps, games and films.
• Making sensible, age-appropriate choices online.
• Using technology with kindness and respect.

In class, pupils explored both the opportunities and risks of AI:

• AI and homework – Is it a helpful learning tool, or is using it to complete work for you dishonest?
• AI image filters – Fun between friends, but never acceptable without consent.
• AI and misinformation – How AI-generated content can spread false or harmful stories.

Pupils impressed us with their digital awareness and their understanding that technology is powerful, but must be used responsibly.

A Shared Responsibility

Online safety is not a one-day event. It is an ongoing conversation. Please take time to speak with your child about:

• What surprised them.
• The apps and games they currently use.
• Privacy settings and age guidance.
• Healthy screen habits, especially before bedtime.

Technology offers extraordinary opportunities. By working together, we can ensure our children navigate the digital world with confidence, caution and kindness.