Online safety

What you need to know

Online safety is being aware of the nature of the possible threats that you could encounter whilst engaging in activity through the internet. Staying safe online allows you to protect yourself and others from online harms.

You don’t need to be an internet expert to keep children and young people and yourself safe online. Keeping safe online hosts a range of resources to help you support children and young people to use the internet safely and responsibly.

We have information and advice on a range of online safety topics including consent, privacy and data, inappropriate or offensive content, live streaming, mental health and well-being and internet, misinformation, online bullying, online grooming, online hate, online radicalisation and extremism, online relationships, online reputation and digital footprint, online sexual harassment, screen time, sharing nudes and semi-nudes and social media, gaming and apps. You can also find out more about the safety implications of emerging technologies, such as generative AI.

Welsh Government guidance

Keeping learners safe
Guidance for local authorities and governing bodies on arrangements for safeguarding children.
All Wales Practice Guide: Safeguarding children from online abuse
This practice guide provides additional information about safeguarding responses to children who are at risk of online abuse or who are abused online.

Training modules

Introduction to safeguarding: Keeping learners safe module 1
This module will help you understand safeguarding and your responsibilities. It is the first module of three available in this package and appropriate for all staff.
Safeguarding roles and responsibilities: Keeping learners safe module 2
In this module you will learn more about your role and responsibilities when it comes to keeping learners safe.
Safeguarding practice case studies: Keeping learners safe module 3
In this module, we will look at some case studies. These will help you to put what you now know about keeping learners safe into practice.
Online safety for practitioners: Keeping learners safe module 4
In this module, you will learn what online safety means, and about the important role you have when it comes to keeping learners safe online.
Online safety for governors: Keeping learners safe module 5
In this module, you will learn what online safety means, and about the important role you have when it comes to keeping learners safe.

Resources

Learning and teaching resources
Resources to support schools and the wider school community with online safety.

Information for children and young people

Advice for children and young people: online issues and worries
Information which explains some risks to be aware of and where to go for help.