At Waringstown Primary School, keeping children safe, both in the real world and in the online world, is our highest priority. The internet offers wonderful opportunities for learning, creativity, communication and entertainment. However, it is important that children understand how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.
Know the Age Limits
Many popular apps, games and social media platforms have minimum age requirements designed to help protect children online. These age restrictions are in place to ensure children are developmentally ready for the content, communication features and online interactions available on these platforms.
Here is a quick guide:
Why Are Age Limits Important?
Age restrictions are not simply recommendations. They help to:
- Protect children from inappropriate content.
- Reduce the risk of contact with strangers online.
- Safeguard personal information and privacy.
- Support children's emotional wellbeing and digital safety.
- Encourage age appropriate online experiences.
How Can Parents and Carers Help?
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children develop safe and positive online habits. You can support your child by:
- Knowing which apps, games and websites your child uses.
- Having regular, open conversations about their online activity.
- Talking about online safety and setting clear expectations for internet use at home.
- Using parental controls and privacy settings where appropriate.
- Ensuring age restrictions are followed.
- Encouraging your child to speak to a trusted adult if something online worries or upsets them.
This poster is very useful in creating discussions around online safety with your child and provides further information for you and your child on how to stay safe.
Working Together
By working together, we can help children enjoy all the benefits of technology while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to stay safe online.
We encourage all families to take a few moments to discuss online safety regularly at home. The above information provides useful information and can help start important conversations with your child about staying safe, responsible and respectful online.
Together, we can create a safer digital world for all our children.
Primary 5 have been busy investigating both 2D and 3D shapes as part of their Numeracy learning. They particularly enjoyed their group work, exploring a variety of 3D shapes and identifying the different properties.
The hands on investigation allowed the children to develop their understanding through discussion, collaboration and practical learning experiences. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed working together in their groups and sharing their discoveries as they explored the world of shape.
A huge thank you to Mrs Brown for teaching our current Primary 5 children during their Primary 4 year. To celebrate the wonderful memories they made together, the children created a special memory book filled with their favourite moments.
We held a special assembly today to thank Mrs Brown for all of her hard work, dedication and care during her time in Primary 4. She created many happy and lasting memories for our pupils and we are grateful for the positive impact she has had on their learning journey.
We wish Mrs Brown all the very best and hope to welcome her back to school over the coming months. Thank you, Mrs Brown, for everything you have done for our children.
Our P5 pupils recently enjoyed an exciting introduction to Scottish Highland Dancing and were fascinated to learn about its rich traditions, movements and costumes. The children had the opportunity to practise some basic steps. They are now eagerly looking forward to their upcoming block of lessons, where they will have the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence and learn more about this wonderful form of dance.
We are extremely proud of the effort, positive attitudes and excellent manners shown by our pupils as we have settled into Term 1. Their hard work, kindness and commitment to our school values are continually recognised through Mr McCambley's Golden Postcards.
It is always heartwarming to see our whole school community celebrate alongside each recipient, recognising and encouraging the achievements of others. Well done to all of our Golden Postcard recipients this week, keep up the fantastic work.
Well done to our Primary 7 Librarians who have been appointed for Term 1! Thank you for taking on this important responsibility in helping to monitor, organise and tidy our school library. Your commitment, teamwork and sense of responsibility will help ensure that our library remains a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone to learn and explore. We know you will be excellent role models and carry out your duties with care and enthusiasm.