It’s September and the school gates have reopened for a new year. For many schools, this brings new responsibilities and a renewed focus on safeguarding for the term ahead.
Before the summer holidays, safeguarding professionals were made aware of the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance for schools in England, which came into effect on 1st September. Alongside the potential social media ban on the horizon for 2027, these developments reinforce the importance of keeping online safeguarding firmly on the agenda.
Keeping Children Safe in Education includes strengthened expectations around filtering and monitoring, while AI and cybersecurity are recognised as safeguarding considerations. It also sets out responsibilities for safeguarding leaders, meaning schools may need to review and adapt their existing approaches.
Looking ahead to potential changes around social media for young people, schools will also need to consider the implications for students’ wellbeing, education and digital literacy. Keeping staff training up to date will remain essential as the online environment continues to evolve.
We know that keeping pace with these developments can be challenging alongside the wider demands of safeguarding. SWGfL provides practical guidance, training, webinars and solutions to help schools understand their responsibilities and strengthen their approach to online safety.
Guidance and Support from SWGfL
Keeping Children Safe in Education: Discover the Latest Requirements
Explore the latest guidance and our updated online safety policy templates, reflecting the changes in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026. With increased expectations around filtering and monitoring, and the recognition of AI and cybersecurity as safeguarding considerations, these resources can help schools understand the latest requirements and consider what they mean for their safeguarding practice.
Social Media Ban: Stay Ahead With Training and Upcoming Webinar
As discussions around proposed social media restrictions continue, schools will need to consider how potential changes could affect students, including their wellbeing, online experiences and digital literacy.
SWGfL’s online safety training and upcoming Social Media Ban webinar provide opportunities for schools and safeguarding professionals to stay informed about these developments and their potential implications.
Discover 25% Discount On Vital Tools
With new safeguarding requirements and potential social media restrictions creating additional considerations for schools, the right tools can provide practical support.
With budget constraints in mind, schools can access anonymous reporting and safeguarding training platforms at a 25% discount.
Test Filtering and Assisted Monitoring
Filtering and monitoring remain an important part of schools’ online safeguarding responsibilities. Our Test Filtering tool allows schools to assess whether their filtering systems are working effectively and identify potential gaps in protection.
For safeguarding leads who need additional support, Test Filtering Plus can help automate the process by providing real-time alerts and reports, helping schools monitor whether their filtering systems are working as intended.
Our Assisted Monitoring Service provides further support by helping schools identify potentially harmful online content that students may be engaging with. Our team can flag concerning activity to safeguarding leads, providing information that can help inform appropriate action.
To explore these resources and find further guidance for the new school year, visit our Back to School Hub.
Back to School Hub
Throughout September, we’ll also be sharing further guidance and resources through our newsletter and LinkedIn, helping schools stay informed as the online safety landscape continues to develop.
A new school year is an opportunity to review, strengthen and embed safeguarding practice. By keeping online safety at the heart of that work, schools can help ensure students are better protected, supported and prepared for the digital world.
