DWThe Department for Education (DfE) has recently updated its Filtering and Monitoring Standards for Schools and Colleges, introducing changes designed to address evolving digital risks and strengthen safeguarding measures. These updates ensure that schools provide a secure online environment, staying compliant with safeguarding obligations outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Below, we break down the most significant updates, with a particular focus on real-time scanning capabilities and the mandatory enforcement of illegal URL filter lists, which are now more crucial than ever in creating safer digital spaces.
Awareness of Updates
1. Strengthening Roles and Responsibilities
The updated standards provide greater clarity on the strategic responsibility of governing bodies and proprietors to ensure that effective filtering and monitoring systems are in place. Senior leadership teams are tasked with operational responsibilities, such as procuring systems, documenting decisions on content blocking, and ensuring that staff are trained to use these systems effectively.
There is also a stronger expectation that both IT staff and safeguarding leads work together closely. The collaboration between the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and IT service providers is critical to ensure that systems not only function technically but also align with broader safeguarding strategies.
2. Annual Review of Filtering and Monitoring Systems
An important update relates to the requirement for a comprehensive annual review of filtering and monitoring systems, ensuring they address the school’s specific risk profile. This review must now include detailed assessments of vulnerable student groups, such as those with SEND or EAL, and the impact of new technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence (AI).
The review process should ensure that systems keep up with modern threats and technologies, like Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and continue to meet safeguarding obligations without disrupting teaching and learning.
3. Real-Time Scanning and Illegal URL Filter Enforcement
The updated guidance in Standard 2 emphasises the need for schools to review their filtering and monitoring provision at least annually. As part of this process, schools must assess their current provision, identify any gaps, and consider the specific needs of their students and staff. Part of this review now includes an understanding of the technical limitations, such as whether the filtering system can effectively manage real-time content. While there is no requirement for schools to implement real-time scanning, it is essential that schools understand any limitations their system might have and how these limitations could affect safeguarding within their specific context.
Additionally, Standard 3 introduces a firm requirement regarding illegal URL filter enforcement. Schools must ensure that their filtering systems include blocklists from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU). It is imperative that schools cannot disable these blocklists or remove items from them, ensuring continuous protection against illegal content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and terrorist-related content.
4. Enhanced Filtering System Requirements
In addition to real-time scanning and enforced illegal URL filtering, the updated standards continue to emphasise the need for effective and adaptable filtering systems. Schools are now required to:
- Enable Safe Search in browsers and search engines to provide additional layers of protection.
- Ensure that filtering covers all devices, including BYOD, which must meet the same safety standards as school-owned equipment.
- Keep systems updated to block VPNs, proxy services, and other techniques used to bypass filters.
Furthermore, schools are encouraged to regularly review their blocklists in response to emerging safeguarding risks, ensuring that filtering systems are proactive and adaptable to new threats. This dynamic approach ensures that filtering evolves with the changing digital environment while maintaining the core safeguards for students.
5. Effective Monitoring Strategies
While filtering is essential, monitoring user activity remains a crucial aspect of safeguarding. The DfE clarifies that in-person monitoring, such as observing screens or using device management software, should complement automated systems. This ensures that unusual or unsafe activity is noticed and acted upon swiftly.
The updated standards also introduce requirements for clear incident response protocols. Schools must have well-defined policies to respond to any incidents flagged by monitoring systems, including those raised through real-time scanning. Senior leadership teams and the DSL are responsible for ensuring that these protocols are both understood by staff and applied effectively.
Monitoring systems must also provide detailed activity reports that can trace incidents to specific devices or individuals. Schools are advised to integrate these strategies into broader Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) and online safety frameworks to ensure they address safeguarding risks comprehensively.
Additional Safeguarding Considerations
The new standards are accompanied by recommendations for schools to perform Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), ensuring compliance with privacy laws while monitoring pupil activity. Schools are also advised to meet Cyber Security Standards and align their monitoring strategies with overall safeguarding policies, ensuring privacy and safety are balanced effectively.
The recent updates to the DfE’s filtering and monitoring standards place a strong focus on real-time protection and the enforcement of illegal URL filter lists, ensuring that schools remain proactive in safeguarding students from online harms. These additions, combined with annual system reviews and stronger monitoring protocols, provide a more robust framework to support online safety in schools.
By embedding these practices, schools can ensure their filtering systems not only block harmful content but also remain flexible enough to adapt to new and emerging threats. At the UK Safer Internet Centre, we offer resources and tools, such as our testing utility, to help schools assess their filtering systems and ensure they meet these updated standards.
