How to keep learners safe online

It is important to stay actively involved with learners as they navigate the online world, regularly discussing their digital activities and jointly exploring new apps and websites to highlight both their benefits and possible risks. Directing learners to trusted sources for relationship and sexual health information, such as CEOP Education, Childline, and Brook, empowers them to recognise signs of unhealthy relationships, including coercion or blackmail, and encourages them to seek safe, independent guidance. Teaching learners about the importance of protecting personal information online, alongside practical advice on adjusting privacy settings across different platforms, strengthens their online security. Furthermore, promoting open communication ensures learners know they can turn to other trusted adults and support services for extra help whenever necessary.

Remind learners how to report incidents to the police or through the CEOP Safety Centre. If private images are shared without consent, explain the three steps they or their parents can take to get them removed.

Use Report Remove, a tool from Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation. Learners can use this to remove images that have been shared or might be shared.
Use Take It Down, a tool from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Learners can use this to remove or stop the online sharing of images or videos.
Report directly to the platform or app that the incident has occurred on. For advice on how to report to major social media platforms, visit Internet Matters.

To learn more about what resources are available visit the UK Safer Internet Centre.

If you want to ensure you understand your role and responsibilities join us for our learner reviewed safeguarding training.