Discussing Online Safety at Parents' Evening
A practical script for teachers raising digital safety topics at parents' evening — covering how to start the conversation, what to raise, and how to signpost support.
Parents' evening is one of the few times teachers have direct access to parents to raise concerns or share advice. Online safety is often overlooked in favour of academic progress — but a brief, confident mention can make a real difference. This script helps teachers introduce the topic naturally, share relevant concerns, and direct families to good resources without taking up significant time.
When to have this conversation
At parents' evening, or at any pastoral meeting with a parent or carer where online safety is relevant.
Before you start
- • Prepare two or three talking points relevant to your year group — for example, current apps or platforms that have come up recently.
- • Have a leaflet or URL ready to hand to parents who want more information — Internet Matters (internetmatters.org) is well-suited to this.
- • Keep the tone positive and collaborative — you and the parents are on the same side.
Conversation by age group
"Before we talk about [student's name]'s progress, I just want to mention something about online safety — it is something I try to touch on with all families."
teacher
"In Year [X], we are at an age where a lot of young people are using social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps much more independently. Online safety is something we cover in school, but it is most effective when home and school are aligned."
Framing this as a whole-year group topic reduces any sense that you are singling out this family.
parent
"What should we be aware of at the moment?"
teacher
"The main things I would flag for this age group are [tailor to year group — e.g. group chat dynamics, unsolicited contact from strangers, exposure to inappropriate content]. These are not unusual — they come up regularly — but they are worth a conversation at home."
teacher
"One simple thing that makes a big difference is keeping communication open. If your child knows they can come to you without fear of losing their phone, they are far more likely to tell you when something goes wrong."
parent
"Do you have any concerns about [student's name] specifically?"
teacher
"Nothing specific that I would flag tonight — but if I notice anything, I will always come to you. And if [student's name] ever mentions anything to you that worries you, please do not hesitate to contact me or the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead."
If there is a specific concern, raise it now clearly and professionally — do not bury it. Refer to the DSL if needed.
Tips for this age
- • Do not overwhelm parents with a long list of risks — pick the two or three most relevant to your year group.
- • End the conversation on a practical note: a website, a leaflet, or a single piece of advice they can act on that evening.
- • If you do have a safeguarding concern, this is not the appropriate forum to handle it fully — refer to your DSL and arrange a dedicated meeting.
Follow-up actions
- → Follow up with any parent who expressed significant concern and connect them with the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead if appropriate.
- → Keep a brief pastoral note of the conversation, particularly if any concerns were raised by the family.
Related safety topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.