By Catherine Steel, Prep School teacher

Today, we marked Safer Internet Day at Kimbolton Prep School with engaging assemblies, discussions, and activities led by our Digital Leaders. This year’s theme, “Too Good to Be True?”, focused on the importance of recognising and avoiding online scams—helping pupils become more aware of how to spot suspicious online behaviour and protect their personal information. 

Learning to spot online scams 

During the Upper Prep assembly, pupils explored different types of online scams, from fake prize offers and phishing emails to social media trickery and in-game fraud. Our Digital Leaders guided them through real-life examples, encouraging them to think critically about what they see online. 

Pupils learned some key tips to stay safe online: 

✅ Think before you click – If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 
✅ Keep personal information private – Never share details like your full name, address, or school. 
✅ Be cautious of unexpected messages – If you receive an unusual email, pop-up, or message from someone you don’t know, don’t engage. 
✅ Talk to a trusted adult – If something doesn’t feel right, seek help from a teacher or parent. 

A visit from Super Cyber Captain! 

A highlight of the day for the Lower Prep was the arrival of Super Cyber Captain, our online safety superhero! He helped pupils work through real-life scenarios, such as what to do if a stranger messages them or whether they should post personal photos online. The key message was clear: Stop, Close, and Tell! If something feels wrong, it’s always best to pause, exit, and speak to a trusted adult. 

Our Safer Internet Pledge 

To finish the assembly, pupils in the Lower Prep made their ‘Safer Internet Pledge’, committing to safe and responsible online behaviour. Together, they promised to: 

📌 Be kind online. 
📌 Keep their personal information private. 
📌 Tell a grown-up if something makes them feel uncomfortable. 
📌 Block and report harmful messages. 

Keeping the conversation going 

The discussions from today don’t end here. Our Digital Leaders will be continuing to support their peers and answer any questions about staying safe online. 

💡 What can you do at home? 

• Talk to your child about what they learned today. 

• Remind them that not everything online is as it seems. 

• Encourage open conversations about their online experiences. 

🔗 For more information about online safety and Safer Internet Day, visit www.saferinternet.org.uk. 

Today’s events have been a great reminder that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Let’s continue to stay safe, stay smart, and support each other online.