‘’ At Portrush Primary School, we aim to empower pupils to become confident, creative, and responsible digital learners. Through the CCEA’s 5 E’s—Explore, Express, Exchange, Evaluate, and Exhibit—we integrate ICT across the curriculum to enhance learning, encourage collaboration, and prepare pupils for a digital world. ’’

Our children are given opportunities to be creative, explore and be assessed in 5 areas in UICT - these are known as the 5 E's:

1. Explore
2. Express
3. Exchange
4. Evaluate
5. Exhibit

What Are the 5 ‘E’s in ICT?

In school, children learn to use technology in lots of different ways. Our ICT curriculum is built around five key areas, known as the 5 ‘E’s. These help pupils from Year 1 to Year 7 develop important digital skills.

🧭 Explore

Children learn how to find and use information online and in digital resources. As they grow, they become more confident and independent. They also use digital tools to investigate and solve problems—this includes early coding and thinking skills.

🎨 Express

This is all about being creative! Pupils use ICT to share their ideas through text, pictures, music, sound and video. It could be anything from typing a story to making a short animation or digital poster.

💬 Exchange

Children learn how to communicate safely and respectfully online. This might include sending emails, joining class video calls, or working together on shared digital projects.

🔍 Evaluate

Pupils are encouraged to think about how they worked on a task and how they could improve. It’s about learning from experience and becoming thoughtful digital learners.

📁 Exhibit

This means saving, organising and sharing their work. Children learn how to manage their digital files and present their work in different ways—whether printing it, saving it to a folder, or uploading it to a shared space.

📱 Screen Time Guidance for Primary School Children

🎯 Purpose

To help parents make informed decisions about their child’s screen use by providing:

- Research-backed screen time recommendations
- Age-appropriate app guidance
- Tips for healthy digital habits

🧠 What the Research Says (2025)

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and other child development experts:

- Ages 2–5: Limit recreational screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality content.
- Ages 6–12: Aim for no more than 2 hours per day of recreational screen time. Prioritize educational and creative use.
- Focus on quality over quantity: Interactive, educational, and co-viewed content is more beneficial than passive consumption.
- Balance is key: Encourage screen-free time, physical activity, and face-to-face social interaction.

📋 Commonly Used Apps & Age Guidelines

🛡️ Tips for Healthy Screen Use

1. Create a Family Media Plan: Set clear rules for when, where, and how screens can be used.
   2. Designate Screen-Free Zones: Bedrooms and mealtimes should be screen-free.
   3. Use Parental Controls: Monitor app usage and set time limits.
   4. Model Good Habits: Children mimic adult behaviour—practice what you preach.
   5. Encourage Offline Play: Balance screen time with outdoor and imaginative play.

🚫 Should Children Under 12 Use Social Media or Messaging Apps?

Short answer: No, they generally should not.

Most experts and child advocacy organisations strongly recommend waiting until at least age 13 before allowing children to use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or messaging apps like WhatsApp.

📱 Age Restrictions by Platform

🧠 Why Wait Until 13?

- Legal Protection: The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) prohibits platforms from collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent.
- Developmental Readiness: Children under 12 often lack the emotional maturity to handle online interactions, peer pressure, and exposure to inappropriate content.
- Mental Health Risks: Early exposure to social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep habits.

✅ What Parents Can Do Instead

- Use child-friendly platforms like YouTube Kids, Messenger Kids, or educational apps.
- Encourage offline social interaction and creative play.
- Set up parental controls and monitor usage closely.
- Talk openly about online safety, privacy, and digital citizenship.

🛡️ Top Online Safety Resources for Parents

1. UK Safer Internet Centre

• Offers guides, conversation starters, and safety tools for phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart devices.
• Includes social media safety guides and advice on managing screen time.
• Great for parents who want practical, age-appropriate advice.
• 🔗 Visit UK Safer Internet Centre 

1. NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online

• Provides comprehensive advice on everything from parental controls to online wellbeing.
• Features the TRUST toolkit for helping children get their first phone safely.
• Includes resources for children with SEND and reporting tools for online abuse.
• 🔗 Visit NSPCC Online Safety Hub 

1. Ofcom – Online Safety Regulations

• Details the latest legal protections under the UK’s Online Safety Act.
• Useful for understanding what tech companies are required to do to protect children.
• 🔗 Visit Ofcom Online Safety