Page 3 - Online Safety 4 UK Schools

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

online safety workshops and advice from qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable
trainers, to keep students, staff, and the whole school community safe while using
social media, gaming communities and other online platforms, both on school devices
and their own.

Jonathan Taylor MSc

www.onlinesafety4schools.co.uk