Online Safety at Balgreen Primary School

At Balgreen Primary, we want to support families in keeping children safe online.

We know that as a Parent or Carer, navigating the digital world with your kids at home can be challenging. That’s why we’re sharing guidance to help parents and carers make informed decisions about online access, social media, and digital safety.

Police Scotland highlights the importance of parents and carers being aware of the potential risks children may encounter online, including:

• Cyberbullying and harmful content – It’s crucial to have open discussions with children about their online experiences.
• Scam messages and phishing – Be cautious of messages or emails that ask for personal information or encourage clicking on suspicious links.
• Safe social media use – Many platforms have age restrictions and privacy settings that should be adjusted to protect young users.
• Reporting concerns – Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, and scam texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).

Police Scotland recommends visiting the following websites for further guidance:
🔗 Thinkuknow (NCA)
🔗 CEOP Safety Centre
🔗 NSPCC Online Safety
🔗 Internet Matters

📄 Download the full Police Scotland Online Safety Guide

Social media platforms and messaging apps are a big part of children's online interactions. To help parents and carers understand the risks and safety measures, we have provided guides for popular apps below:

📲 WhatsApp Guide for Parents (Minimum Age: 16+)

WhatsApp is a messaging app that allows private and group chats, voice and video calls. Risks include scam messages, sharing of personal information, and group chats with unknown contacts.

📲 TikTok Guide for Parents (Minimum Age: 13+)

TikTok is a short-video sharing platform with public content and viral trends. Risks include exposure to inappropriate content, online challenges, and contact from strangers.

📲 Snapchat Guide for Parents (Minimum Age: 13+)

Snapchat allows users to send disappearing messages, videos, and images. Risks include screenshotting of private messages, location tracking (Snap Map), and pressure to maintain "Snap Streaks".

📲 Instagram Guide for Parents (Minimum Age: 13+)

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform where users can follow others and send direct messages. Risks include image-based pressures, exposure to unrealistic beauty standards, and potential contact from strangers.

📲 Discord Guide for Parents (Minimum Age: 13+)

Discord is a chat platform used for gaming and group discussions. Risks include inappropriate content, unregulated chat rooms, and potential exposure to online predators.

These guides offer practical advice on privacy settings, reporting issues, and discussing online safety with children.