Who at the school should I contact about an online safety concern?

Ask for the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — a senior member of staff whose job is to handle safeguarding and child-protection concerns. Every school in England must have one and publish who they are. You can go straight to them; you don't need to explain the details to reception first.

What must the school do when I raise a concern?

The DSL should listen, record the concern, and decide the response under Keeping Children Safe in Education — supporting your child, addressing the behaviour of others, and referring on to children's services or the police where needed. They should tell you what action they're taking, though they can't share confidential details about other families.

What if the school doesn't take my concern seriously?

Put it in writing to the DSL and headteacher, then escalate to the chair of governors if needed. If you still believe a child is at risk, contact your local authority safeguarding team (MASH) or the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000). Anything criminal can be reported to the police directly.

Important

Raising an Online Safety Concern with Your Child's School

How to raise a safeguarding or online-safety worry with your child's school — who to ask for, what to say, what the school must do, and how to follow up.

What might be happening

Something online involves your child's school — bullying in a class group chat, a fallout that's spilling into school, images being shared among pupils, or a concern about another child's welfare. You want the school to act, but you're not sure who to contact or what they'll actually do. Knowing how the school's safeguarding system works makes the conversation far more effective.

How serious is it?

Schools in England have a statutory duty to safeguard pupils, and online incidents involving pupils are firmly within that duty. Most concerns are handled well once raised with the right person. The key is to go to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), give clear information, and be clear about what you'd like to happen and when you expect to hear back.

What to do first

Step 1

Ask the school office to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — every school must have one and publish who they are. You don't have to explain everything to the receptionist.

Step 2

Write down the facts first: what happened, when, which pupils/platforms were involved, and any evidence you have (screenshots with usernames, dates, and times).

Step 3

Be clear about what you're asking for — that it's recorded, investigated, or that specific action is taken — and ask when you'll hear back.

Step 4

Keep your own record of the conversation, including who you spoke to and what was agreed.

What to say

Phrases that help

"I'd like to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead about something that's happening online between pupils."
"I have screenshots I can share. I'd like this formally recorded and to know what steps the school will take."
"When can I expect an update? I'd like to stay informed about how this is handled."

What not to say

✗"I'm going to sort out the other child's parents myself." — go through the school, not direct confrontation.
✗"You have to tell me exactly what you did to the other child." — the school can't share another family's details.
✗Nothing at all — assuming the school already knows. Concerns often only get acted on once raised.

Settings to check

•Save and organise your evidence (screenshots, dates, usernames) before the meeting.
•Check the school's safeguarding and anti-bullying policies — you're entitled to a copy.
•On your child's devices, block/mute those involved while the school addresses the behaviour.

When to escalate

If the school does not act and you remain worried about a child's safety, you can contact your local authority's safeguarding team (MASH) via gov.uk, or the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000). If there's a crime (threats, sexual content, assault), report to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency — you don't have to wait for the school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 2026-07-13 · This page is educational guidance, not a substitute for emergency services, safeguarding professionals, or legal advice.

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.