Online Safety Policy

 

Online Safety Policy

 

 

1. Policy Statement

Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in its care.

This Online Safety Policy forms part of our wider safeguarding framework and should be read in conjunction with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, Behaviour Policy, and Host Family Handbook.

We fully recognise that digital technologies are a fundamental part of children and young people’s lives. While they offer significant educational and social benefits, they also present safeguarding risks. This policy is informed by:

  •               ● Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024
  •               ● UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) guidance
  •               ● NSPCC guidance
  •               ● CEOP education resources
  •               ● AEGIS Safeguarding Standards

Skywise ensures that all staff, homestay providers, and relevant stakeholders understand their responsibilities in relation to online safety. The organisation promotes a culture of vigilance, education, and early intervention.

Online safety is overseen at senior leadership level and reviewed annually, or sooner if required following safeguarding developments or regulatory updates.

 

2. Key Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Ms Zhiying Zheng
Tel: 07792 766329
Email: tina.zheng@skywisegroup.com

 

3. Introduction

The internet and digital technologies are central to modern life and learning. However, they also introduce significant safeguarding risks, particularly for children and vulnerable young people living away from home.

Skywise is committed to ensuring that all students:

  •               ● Are educated about online risks
  •               ● Are supported to use technology safely
  •               ● Know how to report concerns
  •               ● Are protected from harm in digital environments

We recognise that online abuse can occur inside and outside school hours, and may involve peers, adults, or anonymous individuals.

Online safety is therefore embedded within all aspects of safeguarding practice.

 

4. Online Safety Risks

Online risks are grouped into four primary categories, alongside emerging risks:

 

4.1 Content Risks

Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, including:

  •               ● Pornographic material
  •               ● Violent or disturbing content
  •               ● Extremist or radicalising content
  •               ● Self-harm or suicide-related material
  •               ● Misinformation and fake news

 

4.2 Contact Risks

Risks arising from interaction with others online, including:

  •               ● Grooming and sexual exploitation
  •               ● Cyberbullying and harassment
  •               ● Coercion or manipulation
  •               ● Unwanted contact from adults or peers
  •               ● Online exploitation via gaming or social media

 

4.3 Conduct Risks

Risks linked to a young person’s own behaviour online, including:

  •               ● Sharing personal information
  •               ● Sending or receiving inappropriate content
  •               ● Bullying others
  •               ● Participation in harmful online challenges
  •               ● Unsafe digital communication practices

 

4.4 Commerce Risks

Risks involving financial or commercial exploitation:

  •               ● Phishing and online scams
  •               ● Fraudulent purchases
  •               ● Manipulative advertising
  •               ● In-app purchases and gaming transactions

 

4.5 Emerging Technology and AI Risks (NEW)

Skywise recognises risks associated with emerging technologies, including:

  •               ● AI-generated deepfake images or videos
  •               ● AI chatbots used for grooming or manipulation
  •               ● Emotional dependency on AI systems
  •               ● Misuse of AI for cheating or impersonation
  •               ● Data privacy risks from sharing personal information with AI tools

 

5. Social Media, Gaming and Online Communication

Students may use a range of digital platforms, including:

  •               ● Messaging apps (e.g. WhatsApp, WeChat)
  •               ● Social media platforms (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat)
  •               ● Online gaming chat functions
  •               ● Livestreaming services

Skywise expects that:

  •               ● Privacy settings are enabled appropriately
  •               ● Personal information is not shared publicly
  •               ● Students behave respectfully online
  •               ● Homestays maintain reasonable awareness of usage patterns

Staff and homestays are not expected to monitor private communications but must respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.

 

6. Sexting and Youth-Produced Sexual Imagery

Sexting refers to the sending or receiving of sexual images, videos, or messages via digital platforms.

Skywise recognises that:

  •               ● Under UK law, it is illegal for individuals under 18 to create or share indecent images of themselves or others
  •               ● Such incidents must always be treated as safeguarding concerns
  •               ● Responses must be proportionate, supportive, and child-centred

We follow UKCIS guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-advice-for-education-settings-working-with-children-and-young-people/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-how-to-respond-to-an-incident-overview

Skywise will:

  •               ● Prioritise safeguarding over criminalisation
  •               ● Provide emotional support to affected students
  •               ● Refer to external agencies where appropriate
  •               ● Work with schools, parents, and CEOP when necessary

 

7. Filtering, Monitoring and Online Protection

Skywise recognises that no system can provide complete protection; however, reasonable safeguarding measures are expected.

Homestays and staff are encouraged to:

  •               ● Use parental controls where available
  •               ● Enable safe search settings
  •               ● Apply appropriate device restrictions for younger students 
  •               ● Maintain secure home Wi-Fi practices

Skywise provides guidance to homestays on online safety expectations and supports them in implementing appropriate safeguards.

 

8. Training and Responsibilities

Staff

All staff receive:

  •               ● Safeguarding and online safety training at induction
  •               ● Annual refresher training
  •               ● Updates on emerging risks (including AI and digital exploitation)

Homestay Providers

Homestays receive:

  •               ● Online safety guidance in the Host Family Handbook
  •               ● Training on safeguarding responsibilities
  •               ● Advice on recognising and responding to online concerns

Drivers and Contractors

Drivers receive safeguarding awareness briefing, including:

  •               ● Basic child protection principles
  •               ● Reporting concerns appropriately

Students

Students are supported through:

  •               ● Induction safeguarding briefings
  •               ● Student handbook guidance
  •               ● Regular welfare check-ins

They are encouraged to:

  •               ● Report concerns immediately
  •               ● Speak to trusted adults
  •               ● Understand online risks and safe behaviours

 

9. Recognising Signs of Online Harm

Signs may include:

  •               ● Withdrawal or secrecy about online activity
  •               ● Sudden emotional changes after device use
  •               ● Anxiety, depression, or irritability
  •               ● Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  •               ● Unexplained gifts or new online contacts
  •               ● Excessive use of devices or platforms
  •               ● Emotional attachment to online relationships or AI systems

All concerns must be treated seriously and reported promptly.

 

10. Reporting and Safeguarding Procedures

Concerns may be raised verbally, by phone, or by email.

All staff must:

  •               ● Record concerns using the TED approach (Tell, Explain, Describe)
  •               ● Report to the DSL immediately (same working day at latest)

DSL Responsibilities:

The DSL will:

  •               ● Assess risk and determine next steps
  •               ● Record all safeguarding actions
  •               ● Refer to police (101/999) or CEOP if required
  •               ● Liaise with schools, parents, and external agencies
  •               ● Arrange support or relocation where necessary
  •               ● Ensure all actions are child-centred

Additional Safeguarding Principles:

  •               ● Images should not be viewed unless absolutely necessary
  •               ● At least two trained staff should be involved when handling sensitive digital material
  •               ● Parents will be informed unless doing so increases risk to the child
  •               ● All actions must follow UKCIS guidance

 

11. Record Keeping

Skywise ensures that all safeguarding records are:

  •               ● Accurate, factual, and timely
  •               ● Stored securely in line with GDPR requirements
  •               ● Accessed only by authorised safeguarding personnel
  •               ● Monitored for patterns or repeat concerns

 

12. Legislation and Guidance

This policy is informed by:

  •               ● Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024
  •               ● UKCIS Sharing Nudes and Semi-Nudes Guidance
  •               ● Education for a Connected World Framework
  •               ● Preventing and Tackling Bullying (DfE)
  •               ● Serious Crime Act 2015
  •               ● Protection of Children Act 1978
  •               ● Data Protection Act / GDPR

 

13. Useful Resources

 

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  •               ● Annually
  •               ● After any significant safeguarding incident
  •               ● Following updates to statutory guidance (KCSIE / AEGIS / UKCIS)

 

 

 

Date of last review: 09/06/2026
Next review due: 08/06/2027

 

 

Approved by:
 

Katherine Lee
Compliance & Safeguarding Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

 

Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd
Company Registration No: 16243200