This article is one of a series written by Data Protection Education in collaboration with Litus Digital, a social media management company.  The articles came about from questions asked by Data Protection Education's customers, our own experience of working in education,  as school governors, parents and data protection professionals.  The articles raise questions about how social media can be used as safely as possible in a school environment,  security considerations, the law and protecting children.  It is not possible to cover every aspect of social media, but the articles aim to provide guidance, raise privacy questions and provide some support for safe posting. 

Teaching Children the Power of the Internet and Social Media

Everyone has a responsibility to teach children of all ages about the dangers of the internet and social media such as cyber bullying, inappropriate content, online predators and digital addiction.  Conversations around privacy and how to use the privacy settings in the various social media channels are important.  Some of this is covered in the Keeping Children Safe in Education, and some content may be automatically filtered out by a school.  However, it is unlikely that someone will have filtering set up at home, or in a café, so it is important to teach that not everything may be what it seems on the internet.  Open communication is key.  Further guidance about filtering and monitoring for schools can be found: Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges. The Safer Internet Centre provides further advice: Appropriate Filtering and Monitoring.

SWGFL Filtering and Monitoring Introduction Video:

Cyber bullying  

Cyber bullying is quite prolific both in and out of school. There are lots of organisations and charities that can provide help and support.  It is essential that children have someone they can talk to about what they are going through.  This may be a teacher, another trusted adult or a parent.  There is more guidance about this in The Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 update. The document focuses on improving monitoring and filtering in schools and educating staff in awareness of cyber bullying.  Cyber or online is included in any kind of bullying or abuse as a consideration in the document.  Cyber bullying should also be part of the behaviour policy and code of conduct so that pupils are taught how to behave online. The guidance also gives resources for further guidance and support.  The emphasis is that all staff should be aware of cyber bullying not just the DSL (designated safeguarding lead(s)).  For secondary schools consider an  pdf Student Acceptable Use Policy Template (173 KB) .

Filtering and Monitoring

Filtering and monitoring content can help prevent and detect any cyber bullying which is why it is now the DSL's responsibility for reviewing the data and making decisions about it and should take the lead.  According to the Anti-bullying Alliance, filtering and monitoring ca be linked to preventing online bullying.  It is iportant that governors and staff understand what filtering and monitoring is.  
Review: DfE Filtering and Monitoring Standards

Advice for parents

Young Minds provides advice about talking to your child about social media, setting realistic boundaries, cyber bullying and where to get further support: A Guide for Parents and Carers.

Further support: 
NSPCC: Social Media.

Internet Matters:

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/ukcis-social-media-guide-for-parents-and-carers/

https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/social-media-guides

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/social-media-smarts.html

https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/social-media-a-guide-for-parents/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers-whose-children-are-using-social-media

From the KCSIE 2023 document:

Childnet offers a toolkit to support parents and carers of children of any age to start discussions about their online life, and to find out where to get more help and support

Commonsensemedia provides independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media for children and their parents

Government advice about protecting children from specific online harms such as child sexual abuse, sexting, and cyberbullying

Internet Matters provide age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls, and practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world How Can I Help My Child? Marie Collins Foundation – Sexual Abuse Online

Let’s Talk About It provides advice for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation 

London Grid for Learning provides support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online, including tips to keep primary aged children safe online

Stopitnow resource from The Lucy Faithfull Foundation can be used by parents and carers who are concerned about someone’s behaviour, including children who may be displaying concerning sexual behaviour (not just about online)

National Crime Agency/CEOP Thinkuknow provides support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

Parentzone provides help for parents and carers on keeping their children safe online

Talking to your child about online sexual harassment: A guide for parents – This is the

Children’s Commissioner’s parental guide on talking to their children about online sexual harassment 

Guardians of Privacy: Social Media Articles

Guardians of Privacy: 16. Social Media Checklist
Guardians of Privacy: 15. Navigating Social Media in Educational Settings Summary
Guardians of Privacy: 14. Social Media and Cyber Bullying
Guardians of Privacy: 13. Social Media, Copyright and Intellectual Property
Guardians of Privacy: 12. Social Media and Going Viral
Guardians of Privacy: 11. Staff Social Media Accounts
Guardians of Privacy: 10. Social Media and Cookies
Guardians of Privacy: 9. Social Media and Morality
Guardians of Privacy: 8. Social Media Policies
Guardians of Privacy: 7. Social Media Data Retention
Guardians of Privacy: 6. Posting Safely
Guardians of Privacy: 5. Social Media and Consent
Guardians of Privacy: 4. Social Media Access Control
Guardians of Privacy: 3. Social Media Channels
Guardians of Privacy: 2. Law and Regulations
Guardians of Privacy: 1. Social media, privacy and children