Online Safety – Mulberry Academy London Dock

Supporting students’ online safety

At Mulberry Academy London Dock, we recognise that digital technologies play a central role in the lives of our students, both in and out of the classroom. Used well, these tools enhance learning, creativity and communication. As a school, we are committed to ensuring that all our students develop the knowledge and skills to use technology safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

We work in close partnership with parents and carers to promote a shared understanding of online safety and to support young people in navigating the digital world confidently and thoughtfully.

Supporting safe use of technology

When students join Mulberry Academy London Dock, they are provided with:

Personal online storage space for documents and files
A school-managed email account
Filtered access to the internet while in school
A login to our Office 365 portal and access to Microsoft 365 tools

Our in-house IT Services team manage and monitor our systems, including safeguarding filters that block inappropriate online content. School email accounts are monitored and may be accessed by senior staff where necessary to ensure student safety.

Online safety education is embedded across our curriculum and wider school life. Students receive guidance and information throughout the year in the following ways:

Assemblies focused on key online safety themes
PSHE lessons that explore digital responsibility and wellbeing
Form Time sessions covering current issues in the digital world
Computing lessons with a strong focus on e-safety and digital literacy

We are committed to creating a digitally safe environment where students understand the impact of their online actions and feel empowered to make positive, informed choices.

If you ever have concerns or questions about a child’s use of technology, please don’t hesitate to contact us via info@mulberrylondondock.org.

Learning about online safety

Students learn about online safety as part of their PSHE curriculum. The Internet plays a huge role in young people’s lives, from learning to socialising, and our lessons focus on helping students enjoy these opportunities whilst staying safe.

Students learn what online safety means, why it is important, and how to protect themselves from common online risks such as scams, inappropriate content and contact from strangers. Key messages include keeping personal information private, understanding the risks of online platforms and thinking carefully before posting or sharing content. Students are also encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel worried or uncomfortable. The school advises that students should not be using social media platforms, including WhatsApp, as most social media services have a minimum age requirement of 13, and WhatsApp has a minimum age requirement of 16.

How families can help at home

Talk regularly with your child about what they do online and who they interact with
Reinforce the importance of keeping passwords and personal details private
Develop open communication around online safety and appropriate use of online platforms.

Helpful support for families

UK Safer Internet Centre – guidance for parents on online safety:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
NSPCC Online Safety Hub – practical advice and conversation starters:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Learning about cyberbullying and safe use of social media

As part of PSHE, students learn about cyberbullying and safe social media use. Cyberbullying can include hurtful messages, spreading rumours online or sharing images without permission. Unlike face-to-face bullying, it can happen at any time, which is why knowing how to respond is so important.

Students are taught not to respond to hurtful messages, to save evidence, block and report users, and most importantly, to tell a trusted adult. Our lessons also explore responsible use of social media, including privacy settings, age restrictions (most platforms are 13+), and being careful about who they communicate with online. The school advises that students should not be using social media platforms, including WhatsApp, as most social media services have a minimum age requirement of 13, and WhatsApp has a minimum age requirement of 16.

We also emphasise being a kind and responsible digital citizen, reminding students that their words and actions online can have a real impact on others.

How families can help at home

Check privacy settings together on apps and games
Discuss age limits and why they matter
Reassure your child that reporting bullying is the right thing to do

Helpful support for families

Childline (support for young people):
https://www.childline.org.uk
Anti-Bullying Alliance – advice for parents:
https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/advice-parents
Internet Matters – social media and cyberbullying guides:
https://www.internetmatters.org

Learning about misinformation, digital responsibility and thinking critically

Another key focus in PSHE is misinformation online and being a responsible digital citizen. Students are learn that not everything they see online is true, especially on social media, where false or misleading information can spread very quickly.

Lessons help students develop skills to question what they see, check sources, recognise clickbait headlines, and avoid sharing information that may not be accurate. This is an important life skill that supports not only online safety, but also critical thinking and responsible behaviour.

Students are also encouraged to reflect before posting, considering whether content is kind, appropriate and respectful, and how it might affect themselves or others in the future. The school advises that students should not be using social media platforms, including WhatsApp, as most social media services have a minimum age requirement of 13, and WhatsApp has a minimum age requirement of 16.

How families can help at home

Encourage children to check information with trusted sources
Ask questions like “Where did this come from?” or “How do we know it’s true?”
Model responsible online behaviour as adults

Helpful support for families

BBC Bitesize – Online Safety & Fake News:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv63d2p
Thinkuknow – advice from CEOP for parents and carers:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents