Keeping children safe online while in the classroom is a critical responsibility for teachers, especially as technology becomes an integral part of education. According to statistics shared by UK Government, the internet can be a powerful force for good, but illegal and harmful content and activity is widespread online. 62% of adult internet users and over 80% of children (aged 12-15) have had potentially harmful experiences online.
There are several strategies educators can implement to protect students from potential dangers like inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying. Each method emphasizes proactive planning, digital literacy, and ongoing supervision.
Implement Strict Filters and Monitoring Software
One of the most effective ways to prevent students from accessing harmful websites or inappropriate content is to install filters and monitoring software on all devices connected to the school’s network. Content filtering software blocks access to specific websites based on keywords, categories, or known harmful sites.
Filters provide the first layer of defence, preventing accidental or deliberate access to harmful material. While not fool proof, they significantly reduce the chances of students encountering dangerous content.
What Can You Do?
Work with the school’s IT department to set up these tools, ensuring they are updated regularly to catch new risks. Communicate to students that these filters are in place and explain that they are there to ensure a safe and focused learning environment.
Teach Digital Citizenship
Encouraging students to understand and practice responsible behaviour online is crucial. Digital citizenship lessons cover topics such as privacy, appropriate online communication, and critical thinking when engaging with online content.
Teach students not to share personal information like home addresses, phone numbers, or passwords. Emphasise the importance of using secure passwords and not falling for phishing scams. Reinforce the idea that students should treat others online with the same respect they would in person. This reduces the risk of cyberbullying or engaging in harmful behaviours. Encourage students to verify the accuracy of online sources, teaching them to recognize misinformation and avoid dangerous sites. A lesson on identifying credible sources can go a long way in ensuring they don’t fall prey to online scams or biased content.
What Can You Do?
Even the best technological safeguards can be bypassed or fail, so empowering students with knowledge allows them to make safer decisions independently. Building a culture of respect and responsibility helps prevent many common online issues.
Integrate these lessons into the curriculum, using age-appropriate examples. For younger students, use simple analogies. For older students, dive into more complex topics like copyright laws or the long-term consequences of their digital footprint.
Encourage Reporting of Online Issues
Establish a classroom culture where students feel comfortable reporting anything inappropriate or concerning they encounter online, whether it’s cyberbullying, strange messages, or disturbing content. Make it clear that no one will get in trouble for bringing up these issues and that the goal is to keep everyone safe.
Many children hesitate to report problems for fear of losing online privileges or getting in trouble. However, immediate reporting allows teachers to address issues before they escalate, providing timely interventions.
What Can You Do?
Provide multiple avenues for reporting, including anonymous methods if students feel uncomfortable coming forward directly. Regularly remind students that they should never feel embarrassed about asking for help.
Regularly Update and Review Security Protocols
Online threats are constantly evolving, so it’s important to regularly update classroom devices and review online safety protocols to address new risks. Updating antivirus software and ensuring all security measures are current will further protect against threats like malware or phishing attacks.
Outdated software and security protocols can leave the classroom vulnerable to breaches. Frequent reviews ensure that the system is adaptive to new risks and that students are continuously safeguarded.
What Can You Do?
Schedule regular check-ins with your school’s IT team to ensure that firewalls, filters, and antivirus software are up to date. Revisit safety guidelines with students periodically to reinforce good habits and introduce new strategies if necessary.
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Resources for Educators:
Internet Matters
From the latest research to free lesson plans, find resources to support your teaching of online safety and digital literacy across subject areas.
Visit: www.internetmatters.org
NSPCC Learning
Online safety resources. From training courses and template policies, to guides and advice for parents, children and families.
Visit: www.learning.nspcc.org.uk
UK Safer Internet Centre
They offer lesson plans, resources, guidance, all the information you need to teach online safety in the classroom.
Visit: www.saferinternet.org.uk
Teach Computing
Helps equip pupils with the skills they need to stay safe online, protect their personal information, report concerns and access help.
CEOP Education
Online safety toolkits. Download the online safety toolkits which contain short activities to be delivered in any education setting.
Visit: www.ceopeducation.co.uk
