Keeping Children Safe Online
At George Mitchell School, we recognise that technology provides fantastic opportunities for learning, communication and creativity. We also understand that the online world presents risks and challenges for children and young people. This page provides guidance, resources and support to help parents and carers keep children safe online.
Parent Online Safety Briefing
Watch our latest online safety briefing covering social media, parental controls, online risks, mobile phones and online wellbeing.
/files/George_Mitchell_School_-_Online_Safety_Briefing_-_September_2026.mp4
Reporting Concerns
Speak to the school safeguarding team, CEOP, Childline or NSPCC if you are worried about a child online. Alternatively, send an email to safeguarding@georgemitchellschool.co.uk
Further links are available at the bottom of this page.
Social Media Changes for Under 16s
The UK Government has announced plans to restrict access to major social media platforms for children under the age of 16, with implementation expected from Spring 2027. The changes are intended to reduce children's exposure to harmful content and improve online safety and wellbeing.
While these changes are not yet in place, parents and carers can support their children by having regular conversations about online activity, using parental controls, reviewing privacy settings and encouraging safe, responsible use of technology.
Parental Controls
Parental controls can help families:
· Manage screen time
· Restrict inappropriate content
· Manage app downloads and purchases
· Support safe and responsible technology use
Android devices:
parental_controls_for_apps_android.pdf
Apple devices:
parental_controls_for_iphone.pdf
The National College's Wake Up Wednesday resources provide step-by-step guides for setting up parental controls on Android devices, iPhones, tablets, gaming consoles and apps. These guides can help families manage screen time, restrict inappropriate content and improve online safety
Mobile Phones in School
George Mitchell School is a phone-free school.
All students are expected to hand in their mobile phones during Learning Lines each morning. Phones are then stored securely by the school and returned to students at the end of the school day.
Why Do We Do This?
Our approach helps to:
· Protect learning time and reduce distractions.
· Promote positive behaviour and focus in lessons.
· Reduce social media and group chat issues during the school day.
· Minimise opportunities for online conflict, bullying and peer pressure.
· Support student wellbeing and safeguarding.
National Expectations
The Department for Education's statutory guidance states that schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default and that pupils should not have access to mobile phones during the school day, including lessons, breaktimes and lunchtimes. George Mitchell's existing approach reflects these expectations.
What Students Must Do
· Hand phones in during Learning Lines each morning.
· Follow all staff instructions regarding mobile phones.
· Collect phones at the end of the school day.
Students must not use their phones until they have left the school site. This includes:
· Phone calls
· Text messages
· Social media
· Videos
· Games
· Music and streaming services
Child-on-Child online abuse:
Some child-on-child abuse takes place online through social media, messaging platforms, gaming services and image sharing. If you are worried about behaviour online, please report it to the school safeguarding team. Concerns will be treated seriously and support will be provided where appropriate.
If you are concerned about this, please:
· Speak to a member of the safeguarding team
· Email: safeguarding@georgemitchellschool.co.uk
Online Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing, mental health or online experiences, support is available. The organisations below provide trusted advice, guidance and support for both young people and parents. We encourage families to seek advice early and to speak openly about worries or concerns.
Gaming
Gaming can be a positive way for young people to relax, socialise and develop skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. However, some games include online chat, in-game purchases, contact with strangers and age-inappropriate content, so it is important that parents understand the games their child is playing and use appropriate parental controls.
Further Information can be found via the National College “Wake up Wednesday” guides:
https://info.nationalcollege.com/wake-up-wednesday
Useful Links:
Childline - www.childline.org.uk/
YoungMinds - www.youngminds.org.uk/
NHS Every Mind Matters - www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
Internet Matters - www.internetmatters.org/
NSPCC - www.nspcc.org.uk/
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) - www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Thinkuknow - www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
UK Safer Internet Centre - saferinternet.org.uk/