Page 2 - Online Safety 4 UK Schools

It is also worth remembering that students’ online behaviour can have a massive impact
on their future goals and aspirations, particularly as a result of the cybervetting of
applicants by employers and universities. This means that online safety is not just about

‘stranger danger;’ it has moved on, and up-to-date guidance and awareness has never
been more important.

The impact of online games and social media

Regardless of a school’s location around the world, today’s children grow up with access
to computers, laptops, tablets, and phones – all with access to the internet. This makes

the internet more accessible than ever before. What is more, most students love to
explore and experiment, as children have always done; it is an essential element in
learning.

Unfortunately, that exploration and experimentation can lead them to virtual ‘places’
that are legally off-limits, inappropriate or that can damage their ‘online brand.’ This
inappropriate behaviour can easily occur without their even being aware that they are
doing anything wrong - in other words, they can become unintentional victims.

With unlimited access to the internet, children must be aware of the abundant risks -
some of which can lead to danger and harm. These risks will change for children as they
grow and develop through different age groups.

Social media platforms, and more importantly apps, are the ‘game changer.’ Despite
these platforms having age restrictions, these get ignored, and the result is a total lack
of protection in these areas. Direct messaging through apps is commonplace, and this

has seen a rise in interaction between strangers masquerading behind the title of
‘contact’ or ‘friend.’

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.