Online Safety

In today’s digital world, being online is part of everyday life — for learning, playing, and connecting with friends. At Fuel Education, we want our students to enjoy the internet safely and confidently. This blog will share simple tips to protect your personal information, recognise online risks, and make smart choices.

Did you know that over 70% of kids aged 8–17 have seen something online that made them feel uncomfortable? Let’s learn how to stay safe and make the internet a positive place for everyone.

Why online safety matters

The internet offers huge benefits for learning and fun, but there are risks too. Take a look at five facts that show why it’s important to be aware:

1. In Nottingham, more than 80% of primary school teachers reported at least one safeguarding incident linked to online safety in the past 12 months; and 36% said those incidents had increased. NottinghamWorld

   
   

2. Across the East Midlands (including Nottinghamshire) there were 587 recorded offences of “Sexual Communication with a Child” in 2023/24 — more than double compared to 2017/18. West Bridgford Wire

   
   

3. Research from local schools shows children aged 8-11 don’t always feel safe online and may not recognise all risks — so knowing about online dangers matters. irep.ntu.ac.uk

   
   

4. At young ages (pre-school), children in Nottingham schools are already spending time online — one nursery notes children online for an average of 71 minutes per day. nottinghamnurseryschool.com

   
   

5. Guidance for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire homes highlights that internet/social media use can pose risks including bullying, sexual exploitation or radicalisation — and that children with offline vulnerabilities

   can be at increased risk. nottinghamcitychomes.trixonline.co.uk

   
   

These facts show it’s not enough to just let kids “figure it out”. We need to help them, guide them, and make sure they know what to do.

5 simple rules for staying safe online

Here are some practical tips for children (and ones to share with your teachers or parents) to stay safer when using the internet.

• Talk about what you do online. Let a trusted adult know which apps or games you use, who you talk to, and what you post. Transparency helps catch risks early.

  
  

• Check age-limits and apps. Many platforms say you must be 13+ (or older) but children sometimes join earlier. Make sure what you are using is right for your age.

  
  

• Keep personal information private. Don’t share full name, address, school name, phone number or photos with strangers or publicly.

  
  

• Use the reporting and block tools. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, know how to block them or report them, and tell someone you trust.

  
  

• Limit screen-time and be aware of your feelings. If you’re online a lot, and you feel tired, worried or upset, it might be time to switch off and talk to someone about how you’re feeling.

  
  

Helpful links for children, parents & teachers

Here are six trusted resources you can use to learn more or get help. You can share these with your class, use them at home, or in your school.

• CEOP Education – Advice on staying safe from online grooming & abuse (via the national agency) Nottinghamshire Police

  
  

• Childnet International – Free resources for children and young people about online risks and how to stay safe. Wikipedia+1

  
  

• Internet Matters – Guides for parents and carers (and children) about Apps, games, devices and online behaviours. The Carlton Junior Academy+1

  
  

• Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Partnership (NCSCP) – Local guidance and safeguarding policies for children in Nottingham. nottinghamcitychomes.trixonline.co.uk+1

  
  

• UK Safer Internet Centre – National hub for safe internet use, also offers lessons and resources for schools. Notts SVS Services+1

  
  

• Get Safe Online – Practical steps for parents and children: how to use parental controls, safe settings, etc. Nottinghamshire Police

Wrapping up

The internet can be an amazing place for learning, fun and connecting with friends. But as we’ve seen, there are real risks, even here in Nottingham. By using the rules above, talking with trusted adults, and using the resources linked, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the online world confidently and safely.

Feel free to share this with your class, your school, or parents — and we’ll soon dive deeper into specific topics like gaming safety, social media smart-moves, and how to spot a scam.

Please visit our online safety page for more information:

Stay Safe