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However, it is an illusion: Fortnite is just a game, Xbox 1 and PS5 are just types of
consoles, and iPhones and Androids are just smartphones. Harm and exploitation can
occur because of inappropriate, unacceptable, or illegal use of social media, apps or

gaming communities that allow random play and interaction with other gamers. This
sadly paves the way for the potential exploitation of young users, putting them at risk
of anything from mental health issues to grooming or bullying.

A ‘Whole School Approach’ to online safety

As the world comes out of lockdown and gradually returns to normality, it is more

important than ever to adopt a ‘Whole School Approach’ to online safety to keep
students, staff, and the whole school community safe. A ‘Whole School Approach’ can
be described as creating a culture that incorporates the principles of online safety

across all aspects of school life.

This approach is important in creating a safe environment in which pupils feel
comfortable enough to say what they feel. In some cases, for example, a pupil may want
to make a disclosure following a lesson or activity. It also means modelling the online

safety principles consistently, which we will come onto shortly. This includes expecting
the same standards of behaviour whenever a pupil is online at school - whether it is in
class, logged on at the library or using their own device in the playground.

Including online safety in the promotion of safe practices in schools

Online safety is about behaviour. It is about the informed use of devices, sites, apps,
and gaming. And online behaviour must be appropriate and acceptable to make for a
safe online environment. These are the core pillars:

1. A consistent ‘Whole School Approach’

2. Robust and integrated reporting routines

3. Whole staff - governor executive training

4. Online safety and acceptable use policies

5. Education and awareness

6. Infrastructure

7. Monitoring and filtering

8. Student and parent workshops

9. Involvement in themed days

Fundamentally, schools must ‘keep pupils safe – protect educators – safeguard

schools – involve parents and carers.’ To do this, they must now ensure they receive