Online Safety

Supporting Your Child in a Digital World

The internet offers young people fantastic opportunities to learn, communicate, explore their interests and develop new skills. However, it is important that children and young people understand how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

At The Gryphon, we are committed to helping our students develop positive digital habits and understand the risks they may encounter online.

Parents and carers play a vital role in keeping children safe online. By taking an interest in their digital lives, maintaining open conversations and establishing sensible boundaries, we can work together to help young people enjoy the benefits of technology while staying safe.

This page provides practical advice, useful resources and information about where to seek support if you have concerns about your child’s online safety.

Helping Your Child Stay Safe Online

Keep the Conversation Going

One of the most effective ways to support your child online is to talk regularly about their digital experiences.

• Show an interest: Ask about the apps, games, social media platforms and websites they enjoy.
• Talk openly: Encourage conversations about online friendships, privacy, inappropriate content and potential risks.
• Stay calm: If your child shares something concerning, listen without judgement. Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Make conversations routine: Online safety discussions do not need to be formal.  Everyday conversations can help children feel comfortable approaching you when something goes wrong.

Link – NSPCC – Talking to Your Child About Online Safety
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/

Encourage Healthy Digital Habits

Setting clear and consistent boundaries can help young people develop a balanced relationship with technology.

• Agree on appropriate screen time and regular breaks.
• Consider keeping phones and other devices out of bedrooms overnight.
• Encourage screen-free family activities and mealtimes.
• Discuss appropriate behaviour when communicating with others online.
• Review online habits together as your child gets older.

Make Use of Safety and Privacy Settings

Most smartphones, gaming consoles and social media platforms include tools designed to help protect young users.

• Enable appropriate parental controls and content restrictions.
• Review privacy settings on social media accounts.
• Encourage your child to think carefully before sharing personal information, photographs or videos.
• Explain how to block and report unwanted contact or inappropriate content.
• Regularly review the apps and services your child uses.

Remember that parental controls are helpful tools, but they work best alongside regular conversations, education and trust.

Understanding Sextortion

What Is Sextortion?

Sextortion is a form of blackmail in which someone threatens to share intimate or sexual images, videos or information about another person unless their demands are met.

These demands may involve money, further images or other actions.

Offenders may use fake social media profiles, pretend to be someone of a similar age or exploit an existing online relationship. Increasingly, artificial intelligence can also be used to create convincing fake images.

Sextortion can affect anyone, although teenage boys and young men are particularly at risk from financially motivated sextortion.

It is important to remember that victims are never to blame. The responsibility lies entirely with the person making the threats.

Recognising the Warning Signs

A young person experiencing online blackmail or exploitation may:

• Become withdrawn, anxious or unusually upset.
• Appear worried when receiving messages or notifications.
• Suddenly stop using apps or devices they previously enjoyed.
• Become secretive about their online activity.
• Express concerns about images, messages or information being shared.
• Appear particularly distressed about money or threats from another person.

These signs do not necessarily mean that sextortion is taking place, but they may indicate that a young person needs additional support.

What Should You Do If Your Child Is Being Threatened?

If your child tells you they are experiencing sextortion:

• Stay calm and reassure them. Thank them for telling you and remind them that they are not to blame.
• Do not pay or comply with demands. Paying does not guarantee that threats will stop.
• Stop communication with the offender. Help your child block the individual and report the account.
• Preserve relevant evidence. Keep threatening messages, account details and relevant URLs. Do not download, screenshot or forward sexual images of children.
• Report the incident. Contact the police and seek appropriate safeguarding support.
• Continue offering reassurance. Young people experiencing sextortion can feel frightened, ashamed or overwhelmed. Make sure they know they are supported.

Help and support are available, and taking action early can prevent further harm.  We encourage parents and carers to familiarise themselves with the following resources:

What Is Sextortion? A Guide for Parents – Internet Matters
What is Sextortion - Parent GuideDownload

Sextortion Infographic – Key Facts for Parents
Sextortion InfographicDownload

Reporting Concerns and Getting Help

If you are concerned about your child’s online safety, there are several organisations that can provide advice and support.  If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

• CEOP Safety Centre: Report concerns about online sexual abuse, grooming or exploitation. Report to CEOP.
• Police: Report sextortion or other suspected crimes by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
• Childline: Free, confidential support for children and young people. Call 0800 1111 or visit Childline.
• Report Remove: A confidential service helping young people under 18 report intimate images of themselves and request their removal from the internet. Access Report Remove.
• NSPCC Helpline: Advice for parents and carers concerned about a child’s safety. Call 0808 800 5000 or visit the NSPCC.

Contacting The Gryphon School

If you are worried about your child’s online experiences, please contact the school so that we can offer appropriate advice and safeguarding support.  You can contact your child’s Head of Year or a member of the school’s Safeguarding Team.

No concern is too small. We would always encourage parents and carers to raise any worries about their child’s safety or wellbeing.

Further Online Safety Resources

The following organisations provide additional information, practical advice and resources for parents and carers.

Internet Matters – Practical guides covering screen time, social media, gaming, parental controls and online risks.

NSPCC Online Safety – Advice on keeping children safe online, including managing devices and having difficult conversations.

CEOP Education – Resources to help parents understand online risks and support their children.

UK Safer Internet Centre – Online safety guidance, resources and practical tips for families.

Parent Zone – Advice and resources to help families navigate the digital world.
Childline – Confidential advice and support for young people experiencing worries or difficulties online.

Barnardo’s – Support for children, young people and families, including those affected by exploitation.