This week, Leigh Academy Dartford was delighted to welcome the local PCSOs, who spoke to our Year 4, 5, and 6 pupils about staying safe online. With more children using apps and devices, understanding the risks and responsibilities of being online has never been more important.
The PCSOs explained the appropriate ages for popular apps such as Snapchat, TikTok, Roblox, and games including Grand Theft Auto. They highlighted that these platforms and games have age restrictions for a reason:
- Snapchat: 13+
- Roblox: 13+ (recommended, though accessible to
- younger users with supervision)
- TikTok: 13+
- Grand Theft Auto: 18+
The officers discussed why these restrictions exist and the potential risks younger users might face, such as inappropriate content, online predators, or exposure to harmful behavior.
The session also highlighted how to make safe choices online, including:
- Not sharing personal information like full names, addresses, or school details.
- Being cautious about friend requests from people they don’t know.
- Speaking to a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable online.
For parents and carers, it’s crucial to stay informed and work together to help children make safer choices in their online and gaming activities.
We’re incredibly grateful to our PCSOs for their time and expertise. This visit was a fantastic opportunity to equip our pupils with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely.
Parents and carers, we encourage you to continue these important discussions at home—together, we can help children build safe and positive online habits!
If you’d like more information about online safety, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Miss Morrison | Digital Lead