WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY....


STRONGER TOGETHER: ENGAGING PARENTS IN ONLINE SAFETY


Comment by MUBINA ASARIA, Safeguarding Consultant at the London Grid for Learning (LGfL).


W


henever I run safeguarding sessions in schools, one of the most common questions I’m asked is how to effectively communicate the online safety message to parents. Many parents may not fully realise the crucial role they play in supervising and shaping their child’s online behaviour. That’s why building strong partnerships with parents and carers is key to closing this gap and ensuring consistent messaging around online safety. Online threats often manifest in subtle ways. Radicalisation may begin through exposure to extremist content sometimes masked as memes or ‘harmless’ videos. Grooming can start unwittingly on gaming platforms or social media, where perpetrators disguise their intent. Parents need to be aware of these techniques to help ensure their children have the tools to recognise and respond to them.


Addressing misconceptions


A frequent misunderstanding is that safeguarding is entirely the responsibility of schools. Parents play a vital role in reinforcing safe practices at home. There’s also a widespread notion that children should have complete autonomy and privacy online. While independence is important, it needs to be balanced with thoughtful oversight and guidance to ensure their safety.


Another issue is the pervasive myth that online safety is primarily about limiting screen time. While excessive screen use can be harmful, the quality and context of digital engagement matter far more. For example, using devices to collaborate, design and create content, such as coding games or making art, fosters creativity and skill development. Schools can help parents distinguish between productive and harmful digital activities.


Breaking down the barriers


Technology evolves so rapidly that keeping up to date with the latest trends, apps and risks can be quite overwhelming for parents. And while many parents are aware of the risks, they often feel unprepared to address them due to the complexity of modern digital tools. Others struggle with a lack of time or confidence.


Hard-to-reach parents present a particular challenge. Often, these are the families most in need of support, yet the least likely to attend workshops or sessions. I recommend schools employ creative strategies such as integrating short online safety talks into events with a guaranteed attendance, such as parents’ evenings or coffee mornings. One school I visited successfully reached the majority of parents when they ran a short online safety talk at the start of the nativity play - in stark contrast to the previous year where only eight parents turned up to an online safety workshop.


Schools have also confirmed that parents are more likely to attend sessions when their children are involved. Empowering pupils as ‘experts’ to co-present alongside staff is a great idea – tapping into their knowledge of the latest apps and trends, encouraging them to share safety tips and demonstrate how to set parental controls – this approach is very popular.


June 2025 Step by step delivery


Rather than relying on one-off workshops, a drip-feed approach provides regular bite-sized information through newsletters, apps, or quick talks during school events. This impacts less on parents’ time, and ensures they receive consistent reminders and tips on simple things to do at home.


Schools know their students and their parents, and are best suited to make decisions about what’s most appropriate in the context of their community.


Upskilling teachers


Many teachers have expressed that they feel unprepared to lead conversations about online safety. With this in mind, LGfL has developed a ready-to-use Parent Online Safety Presentation – a free bank of informative slides, questions, discussion starters and top tips, so teachers can build their own presentation and activities, on issues that are most relevant for the school.


Incorporating the latest research, facts, figures and key findings from online safety organisations including Ofcom, Revealing Reality and our research, helps illustrate the reality of levels of risk. Parents need to be fully engaged for a presentation to be really effective, so keep them actively involved by providing lots of opportunities for questions and discussion.


Addressing the specifics


Presentations should be tailored to their audience, ensuring they are relevant. Current hot topics include:


Gaming. One of the most prevalent online activities among children of all ages. While it offers social and cognitive benefits, it also carries risks like exposure to inappropriate content, in-game purchases, and interactions with strangers. Teachers and parents should discuss the importance of understanding age ratings, monitoring in-game chats, and setting time limits.


Social media. Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram can dominate young people’s lives, so it’s vital to teach them about privacy and the permanence of online content. Parents can guide children to set strong privacy controls, avoid oversharing, and report harmful interactions.


Screen time. Debates are often polarised, with different sides advocating for free access or a total ban. But there are workable ways to provide a balanced approach. Regular routines that include tech-free zones and times ensure children develop healthy habits.


Cyberbullying. Children often hesitate to report this due to fear of losing access to their devices. Schools and parents should encourage open communication and reassure them that seeking help won’t result in any type of punishment.


Technology has a pervasive influence on young people, and they need the knowledge and tools to navigate their online space safely. Online safety is no longer an ancillary topic – it’s a critical aspect of safeguarding. When schools, families, and communities work together, children benefit from a cohesive and comprehensive safety net.


www.education-today.co.uk 13


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