Is the Online Safety Bill enough?

The Online Safety Bill aims to safeguard students using digital devices, but new research reveals only ten per cent of educators feel confident that it will be effective. This highlights the need for a collective effort to improve online safety education in schools, writes

Emma Vandore

Research from Bett shows that 40 per cent of respondents saw the Online Safety Bill as a step in the right direction, but many are unconvinced that it can make a meaningful difference for student safety online.

As the Online Safety Bill moves through Parliament, research by Ofcom reveals that twothirds of young adults and teens have recently come across harmful content online. However, only around one in six instances of harmful content are reported. Strengthening online safety measures is crucial to halt such harmful content and ensure a safer online environment for everyone. Providing support and resources for those who have undergone harm and enhancing online security measures, is an important step. By doing so, a secure digital environment for our youth can be established to unlock the true potential it has for learning.

Addressing knowledge gaps

The online world can be a double-edged sword, with its great potential for learning, connection, and exploration – as well as its potential harm to those who are unprotected. Creating greater awareness within the whole education system on how to support students in navigating online safety is a positive step toward a safer online world.

However, Bett’s research highlights a staggering knowledge gap among teachers regarding online safety, underscoring the pressing need for immediate action to prioritise teacher training and education in this area.

A significant one-third (33 per cent) of teachers admit they lack sufficient understanding of the Online Safety Bill, severely impeding their ability to foster safe practices among students. These findings highlight the urgency of equipping educators with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the digital landscape and guide their students effectively.

As we delve deeper into the research, it becomes clear that teachers have different perceptions of the Online Safety Bill’s impact depending on their age. Teachers over the age of 50 were reluctant to support the Bill - only one in five (20 per cent) expressed that the Bill has made minimal progress in protecting students online. In contrast, only nine per cent of younger teachers share this sentiment. However, it is important to note that younger teachers, specifically in the age range of 20 to 30, are more likely to confess their lack of knowledge about the Online Safety Bill, with 37 per cent admitting to their limited understanding.

It’s alarming to see how little educators know about online safety, especially in light of recent findings. The truth is, unless we take immediate action and bridge these knowledge gaps, the Online Safety Bill won’t be nearly as effective as it could be. The Bill’s success depends on educators fully understanding its provisions and implications. Failing to do so leaves our youth vulnerable to countless dangers and threats.

Bolstering teacher’s online safety

In order to support teachers and ensure they are well-versed in the Online Safety Bill, we need to adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects of online safety. This includes offering incentives to teachers who demonstrate a strong aptitude for online safety, providing them with timely training on emerging trends and technologies in the digital space, and promoting best practices for internet safety in educational institutions.

Attending specialised training programs focusing on digital literacy development is one key step. Exploring topics like cyberbullying, online privacy, digital footprints, reliable information sourcing, and social media etiquette through interactive exercises and real-life case studies to highlight the urgency of this issue. Also, collaborating with organisations and field experts such as members of the Bett Advisory Board, can offer valuable resources and knowledge to teachers. The Bett community is a dedicated network of educators and innovators who are eager to share their insights on the future of global education. Teachers can expand their knowledge on emerging trends and best practices, enhancing their expertise in this field. Additionally, professional workshops, webinars, and guest lectures on online safety will keep educators up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

Educational instituitions could enhance online safety measures through establishing a robust network of support to ensure online safety for their students. This support could include access to administrators, counsellors, and technology specialists who can offer valuable advice and guidance when needed. An open-door policy for students could also be implemented to welcome and encourage them to come forward when they encounter any issues and provide them with meaningful solutions. The school community can come together to establish an environment where students can learn and grow safely.

Getting on the same page

After addressing disparities in teachers’ confidence and awareness levels of online safety, the next step is devising effective strategies to impart online safety knowledge to students. This includes integrating digital literacy and responsible online behaviour into various subjects to address online safety. This way, teachers are seamlessly promoting online safety awareness without the content feeling disjointed from their day-to-day teaching. Another method is to make use of online resources to further educate students on the basics of online safety, including tutorials on how to be aware of malicious websites and teaching the importance of creating strong passwords. Also, hosting workshops and events that focus on providing e-safety education offers the opportunity to engage with students in a more interactive way – helping students to gain an understanding of what constitutes appropriate behavior when using the Internet. Consistently reinforcing key concepts throughout the academic year and, at the same time, engaging parents and guardians in the conversation will help students gain a solid understanding of the importance of responsible online behavior. It’s about being vigilant about children’s online activities which, in turn, will guide them towards becoming responsible digital citizens. L

Emma Vandore is head of content at Bett.

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