Child Safety for Teachers
Online and offline safety guidance for classroom teachers. Spot the signs, respond appropriately, and teach children to protect themselves.
Teachers are often the first adults to notice changes in a child's behaviour that may indicate an online safety issue. Whether it is a pupil being cyberbullied, sharing too much personal information, or showing signs of grooming, your position gives you a unique opportunity to intervene early. This guide equips you with the knowledge and resources to respond confidently.
Why this matters
Children spend a significant portion of their day in school, and many online safety incidents spill into the classroom — from group chat fallout to pupils sharing inappropriate content. Teachers who feel confident identifying and responding to these issues can make a decisive difference in a child's wellbeing. Your duty of care extends to the digital world.
Quick wins
Display an online safety poster in your classroom
Time: 5 minutes
Add Childline's number (0800 1111) to your classroom noticeboard
Time: 2 minutes
Run a five-minute conversation starter about online safety at registration
Time: 5 minutes
Common challenges
Fitting online safety into an already packed curriculum
Online safety does not need a dedicated lesson every week. Weave it into PSHE, computing, and even English lessons. Our school resources include ready-made activities that take as little as ten minutes.
Responding to disclosures about online incidents
Follow your school's safeguarding policy. Listen to the child, reassure them, record what they said using their own words, and report to your designated safeguarding lead (DSL) immediately. Do not investigate or promise confidentiality.
Staying current with the platforms and trends pupils are using
You do not need to know every app in detail. Use our app guides for quick overviews. Ask pupils what they use — they are usually happy to explain, and it shows you take their digital lives seriously.