The 2024 report from the Professionals Online Safety Helpline (POSH) paints a vivid picture of the ever-evolving landscape of online harm faced by schools and professionals working with children and young people. With 2,219 recorded cases, the report highlights ongoing concerns around online reputation, bullying, impersonation, and the misuse of school branding, issues that are becoming increasingly complex within the education sector.
Of the cases recorded, 76% of reports were linked to TikTok, underscoring the platform’s prominence in young people’s online lives and the challenges that come with that status. This has highlighted TikTok’s very visibility and widespread use among young people and has naturally positioned the platform at the centre of many online interactions.
Despite the volume of cases, the report has emphasised the critical and effective partnership that has developed between TikTok and POSH. This relationship has proven instrumental in securing quicker content takedowns and more consistent and efficient resolution of harmful incidents. TikTok’s willingness to engage directly with POSH and act upon escalated concerns has set a constructive precedent, highlighting the benefits of open communication and mutual commitment to child safety between industry and the charity sector. It is also important to note that the TikTok reporting process is the only platform directly promoted to schools by the helpline, which may contribute to the volume of reports received.
Escalation for Content Removal
POSH reported over 4,000 URLs for removal across various platforms during the year, with an impressive 94.2% takedown success rate. This outcome speaks volumes about the efficacy of POSH as an intermediary and the responsiveness of platforms (especially TikTok) when equipped with clear, escalated information through trusted channels.
Proactive cooperation with the helpline marks a significant shift from the broader frustration professionals often experience when dealing directly with platforms. The improved industry collaboration with POSH is a positive outlier, one that underscores the importance of cultivating trusted, responsive industry relationships.
This synergy has also not gone unnoticed by professionals. Schools and staff increasingly rely on POSH to navigate the complex web of online safety reporting, particularly in urgent cases of cyberbullying, impersonation, or reputational damage. The fact that professionals have achieved better outcomes through POSH, illustrates the crucial role such helplines play, not only in protecting young people but also in protecting themselves from harm.
Stronger Protections Needed
Looking ahead, the report makes several key recommendations, including the need for stronger digital safeguarding policies in schools, enhanced training for educators, and more proactive monitoring of school-related content online. Yet, one of the clearest takeaways is that collaboration yields the most impactful results.
Ensuring the safety of young people online will require continued efforts from all stakeholders, schools, platforms, regulators, and support networks like POSH. As the online harm landscape continues to evolve, POSH will continue to support the education sector with any online safety issue they may be facing.
Graham Lowe (Professionals Online Safety Helpline Manager) said: “While the volume of reports to the helpline continues to illustrate a challenging landscape, we remain confident that schools can rely on our service to bring lasting value to their communities. Our ongoing relationship with TikTok has become a model for how tech platforms and safeguarding professionals can work together to protect children and educators from online harm. Open dialogue and collaboration have allowed us to resolve issues faster and more effectively—something that truly makes a tangible difference on the ground to schools and their duty of care for their staff and students.”
