2BeSafe

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2BeSafe is an online safety scheme of work, published by 2Simple, to meet the guidance set out within the Department for Education’s Education for a Connected World framework.

Education for a Connected World and Online Safety lessons

Education for a Connected World is a framework created by the UK Council for Internet Safety which outlines 'what a child should know in terms of current online technology, its influence on behaviour and development, how to get support, and what skills they need to be able to navigate it safely.' (Education for a Connected World framework 2020).

It outlines eight key areas which seek to equip children and young people for digital life and the digital world:

• Self-image and identity
• Online relationships
• Online reputation
• Online bullying
• Managing online information
• Health, well-being and lifestyle
• Privacy and security

2BeSafe offers a comprehensive coverage of these requirements for primary schools starting from Reception up to Year 6.

For each objective, we have produced a 15-to-20-minute session containing activities to promote discussion, greater thinking and deeper reflection in order to raise the profile of the importance of staying safe online. All sessions contain a teaching PowerPoint and easily accessible resources in order to save teachers' time.

How can I fit online safety into my timetable?

We understand that online safety is no longer an issue isolated to computing lessons, and this is reflected in the structure of 2BeSafe. It aims to weave online safety throughout the school, acting as the 'golden thread' that raises the profile of our ever-changing digital world.

Sessions are:

• Linked to RSHE, so can be used in those lessons too
• 15-20 minutes long, allowing teachers to slot them into busy timetables
• Designed to be used without individual devices, meaning there's no need to book the Tablet Trolley!

Internet Safety across Primary School

Online Safety for EYFS

Lessons are carefully designed to reflect pupils’ developmental stage and real online experiences. Younger pupils explore foundational concepts through relatable characters, while older pupils engage with more complex issues.

Some examples of the content for EYFS:

• How to respond to something online that makes them feel uncomfortable
• Using the internet to add or find out information
• Rules for using technology

Children will create pictures, answer quizzes and take a 'selfie' all as part of their units of work.

Online Safety for KS2

A core strength of 2BeSafe is the use of realistic scenarios that mirror the online environments that children encounter. Pupils engage with mock emails, blog posts and messaging scenarios, which allows them to apply skills – like spotting a ‘phishing’ email or managing a privacy setting - in a safe and secure environment.

Older pupils will engage with more complex issues such as the impact of social media algorithms, the use of artificial intelligence, their online reputation and digital footprint, as well as exploring the reliability of digital content.

Purple Mash subscribers can access all of the sessions in the Teachers Area as part of their subscription. Not a Purple Mash subscriber? Request a 14-day free trial ⬇️

Assessing and Evidencing Online Safety

2BeSafe enables schools to assess both pupils' online safety knowledge and the wider skills required to stay safe online, supporting the tracking of progress across the primary age range. Assessment is built naturally into lessons through quizzes, discussion prompts and reflective tasks. These provide teachers with insight into pupils’ understanding of key online safety concepts such as privacy, respectful communication and recognising risk.

Because 2BeSafe is part of the wider Purple Mash learning environment, pupils can save their work directly to their digital folders. This creates a portfolio of their digital citizenship journey that can be used to provide evidence of impact.

The progressive structure of 2BeSafe allows teachers and schools to track development over time, identify gaps in understanding and revisit key concepts where needed. This supports targeted teaching and early intervention, which are critical to effective safeguarding.

Supporting Parents with Online Safety at Home

Schools can play an active role in ensuring children are consisently protected in the digital world by providing parents with resources and guidance on managing their children's online activities.

One excellent resource is the free Digital Parenting guide by 2Simple, which offers practical tips on keeping children safe online, monitoring screen time, and discussing internet risks with them. Additionally, Purple Mash subscribers have access to a comprehensive guide specifically designed to help parents support their child's well-being, covering key topics like managing social media use, setting boundaries, and identifying potential online risks. By sharing these tools, schools can empower parents to foster a safer and healthier online environment at home.