Staying Safe and Responsible Online
Technology plays a central role in children’s everyday lives, making it essential they understand how to use it safely and responsibly. At 1decision, our Computer and Online Safety learning area provides a carefully sequenced, age-appropriate progression that builds pupils’ knowledge and awareness year on year.
Pupils explore both the benefits and risks of being online, learning how to treat others with respect in digital spaces as they would in person. As they progress, they develop an understanding of age restrictions, safe use of apps and games, and how to respond to challenges they may encounter. Immersive video scenarios and embedded assessments support decision making, identify gaps and ensure children can navigate the online world safely and confidently.
Click below to review the knowledge organisers for this area.
In Year 1, children begin to develop an early understanding of technology and how it forms part of everyday life. They explore their ideas about devices such as computers and tablets and consider how technology can be used in helpful ways. Pupils learn that the same kindness and respect shown in real life should also apply when using technology. They also begin to understand who they can ask for help if something worries them.
In Year 2, children deepen their understanding of technology and how it can be used safely and responsibly. They explore the positives and negatives of using technology and begin to recognise how what they do when using devices can affect others. Pupils learn simple rules that help keep themselves and others safe and consider why these rules are important. They also develop their understanding of who they can ask for help if something online or on a device worries them.
In Year 3, children broaden their understanding of how to stay safe when using technology by exploring potential risks that can arise when communicating online. They learn to recognise possible dangers, including the risks of talking to strangers in online spaces, and consider the consequences of unsafe choices. Pupils also explore the positives and negatives of using technology and develop their understanding of safe and risky behaviour online before progressing to more complex online safety topics.
In Year 4, children re-establish what they already know about staying safe when using technology before building on this through more complex learning. They revisit how to recognise situations that may place themselves or others at risk online and identify strategies that support safe and respectful behaviour. Pupils explore positive values in online relationships and consider the feelings that may arise from online bullying. They also learn coping strategies and who they can ask for help.
In Year 5, children further develop their understanding of how to use technology safely and responsibly by exploring how choices, influences and peer pressure can affect decision making online. They learn why people may share images online and identify rules that help keep themselves and others safe. Pupils consider the possible consequences of sharing images and recognise situations where they may feel pressured. Through discussion and activities, they reflect on the views of adults and children beyond the school setting to build their understanding.
In Year 6, children consolidate and extend their understanding of how to use technology safely and responsibly. They explore the range of applications they may use now and in the future and consider why some platforms have age restrictions. Pupils recognise that people online may not always be who they say they are and evaluate situations that may place themselves or others at risk. They develop strategies to stay safe online and offline as they prepare for greater independence.