Supporting SEND Students with Staying Safe Online

For learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the digital world presents both opportunities and challenges. While technology can offer connection, creativity, and independence, it can also introduce unique risks that standard online safety strategies may not adequately address.

This hub has been created specifically for educators and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)/ Child Protection Leads to help embed inclusive, effective online safety practices across school settings. Whether you work in a mainstream school, a special school, or a setting with a high number of SEND pupils, this hub is designed to support you in creating a whole-school approach that works for everyone.

SEND-Specific Online Safety

Children and young people with SEND often experience:

Cognitive and communication barriers that make it harder to recognise or report risks.
Social vulnerability that can increase the likelihood of grooming, cyberbullying, or exploitation.
Dependency on routines that can be disrupted by online platform changes.
Greater emotional reliance on digital spaces for connection and self-expression.

These realities call for a tailored approach to online safety education and safeguarding, one that reflects the individual needs of your learners and supports staff in recognising the signs of harm.

What This Guidance Covers

This hub provides practical, evidence-informed advice in the following areas to help support school staff through various aspects of education for SEND students. The hub will take you through various topics - click on the buttons for more information.

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Building an Inclusive Online Safety Framework

An effective whole-school online safety framework must reflect the unique needs of SEND students while aligning with wider safeguarding policies.

Understanding Online Risks for SEND Students

While all young people are exposed to online risks, children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may experience these risks in different ways.

Delivering Accessible Online Safety Education

Every child has the right to learn how to navigate digital spaces safely, but the way that education is delivered must reflect their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Empowering School Staff With SEND Students

Teaching staff are at the frontline of digital safeguarding and must be well-equipped to address the complex challenges SEND learners face.

Working with Parents and Carers of SEND Students

Parents and carer's involvement extends safeguarding efforts beyond the school environment and helps create consistency in digital expectations and behaviours.

Tackling Online Safety Challenges Beyond the Classroom

SEND students can face online safety challenges that extend beyond the school day. Settings such as residential provisions and school transportation create additional contexts.

The Aim of the SEND Hub

This guidance is designed to help schools:

Protect SEND students from online harm
Promote positive, empowering digital experiences
Support staff and families with practical tools
Create a consistent, whole-school culture of online safety

By working together as schools, families, and safeguarding professionals, we can ensure that all children are equipped to enjoy the benefits of technology safely and meaningfully.

Browse each article to get started or for bespoke training or support, contact the SWGfL team at onlinesafety@swgfl.org.uk or visit our traning page.

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