E-safety is one of the most important things being taught to children in the 21st century and schools are ensuring their pupils know exactly what to do when online.

The children at Branfil Primary School in Cedar Avenue, Hornchurch, participated in different lessons on being safe on the internet, including drama and role plays.

They also wrote poems on e-safety and designed posters using their ICT skills to raise awareness.

Teacher Anna O’Toole said: “Lots of the children demonstrated their understanding of e-safety and each class had discussions and did activities about what to do if something happens that they aren’t sure of or comfortable with whilst they are using the internet.”

The key stage two pupils were asked to design a bright and colourful poster that provided information on what they should keep private online.

Nine-year-old Chloe Austin was the lucky winner of a gift certificate for online sales website Amazon.

She said: “I wanted to make a poster that was bright and colourful so that people would want to look at it and then they could read what I had written about how to stay safe online.

“I think the most important e-safety rule is to not talk to people who you have never met and don’t know – it could be anyone.”

Chloe was presented with her prize by the headteacher in a school assembly and she bought new ballet shoes with it.

The runners-up in the e-safety competition will join her in having their posters displayed around the school halls to reinforce the important message.