As the festive season approaches, schools and families look forward to a well-deserved Christmas break (finally saying goodbye to Elf on the Shelf for another 12 months). This time of the year presents an opportunity to reflect on online safety, and how schools can enhance data protection practices. With increasing digital use among students, it’s vital that schools consider safeguarding of personal data, and ensuring e-safety for children while raising awareness on parental controls.
Drawing inspiration from Kent Police’s Child-Centered Policing recent updates, this article highlights key initiatives and practical steps to create safer educational environments, with a focus on data protection laws, digital safety, and the role of parental controls.
Data Protection Laws Relevant to Schools
In the UK, schools must ensure compliance with various data protection laws to safeguard students’ personal data, particularly when it comes to digital use. Some of the most relevant data protection laws include:
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
These laws are central to protecting students’ personal data. Under the UK GDPR, schools must adhere to principles of data protection such as:
Data Minimisation: Collecting only the necessary data.
Data Security: Implementing appropriate security measures to protect personal data.
Transparency: Informing students and parents about how data will be processed.
Parental Consent: When processing personal data of children under 13, schools may need to obtain parental consent, especially for online services.
The Data Protection Act 2018 supplements the UK GDPR and provides additional protections for children’s data, especially in educational settings.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Though COPPA is a U.S.-specific law, it aligns with the principles in UK data protection law regarding the processing of personal data of children under 13. Schools should take COPPA into account when using educational technologies or platforms that collect children’s personal data.
ePrivacy Directive and PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)
This law applies to the use of cookies and other tracking technologies on school websites or platforms used for teaching. Schools need to ensure that they are transparent with parents and students about the cookies in use and how data is collected online.
Online Safety and Parental Controls
With the increase in digital use in schools and homes, it’s essential that schools and parents work together to implement robust online safety measures. Data protection laws support this by ensuring children’s personal data is safeguarded and that parents can control how their children’s data is used.
Parental Controls are a critical element in managing online risks. Here are some key points for schools and families to consider:
Device Settings and Restrictions:
Schools can provide guidance to parents on how to set up online safety for children and parental controls on smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. These settings can limit access to harmful content, monitor screen time, and restrict in-app purchases. These actions align with data protection laws by limiting the amount of personal data shared online.
Educational Resources for Parents:
Schools should provide parents with resources to help them manage their children’s online safety. Some key resources include:
- SWGfL (South West Grid for Learning) Online Safety Guidance
- Internet Matters’ Inclusive Digital Safety Advice
- Guardian’s Guide to TikTok
These platforms provide useful information about managing digital safety, setting up parental controls, and understanding the implications of data collection.
Monitoring Tools:
Schools can recommend apps that help monitor students’ online activity, such as Qustodio, Net Nanny, or Family Link. These tools allow parents and schools to monitor the data students are sharing online and ensure it complies with data protection regulations.
Spotlight on Safer Internet Day: Protecting Against Online Scams
On 11th February 2025, Safer Internet Day will focus on the theme, “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online.” This theme, shaped by young people across the UK, aims to equip them with the knowledge to identify scams, safeguard themselves, and support others in navigating online risks.
Managing Christmas Gadgets and Online Safety for Children
The Christmas season often brings new devices into households, raising fresh concerns about online safety. Families can reduce risks by:
- Disposing of packaging securely to avoid advertising new tech, such as laptops or gaming consoles, to potential thieves.
- Setting up parental controls on smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices to safeguard children’s online experiences.
By taking these actions, families can reduce the risks associated with the increased use of digital devices during the festive season. Schools should encourage parents to be proactive in these areas, offering guidance on how to secure personal data and protect children online.
TenIntelligence Thoughts
This Christmas, as schools and families reflect on the year, let’s prioritise online safety for children in all its forms. By leveraging resources and implementing robust data protection practices, schools can ensure a safer, more supportive environment for their communities.
For further advice or support, reach out to me lynsey.hanson@tenintel.com or submit your query here.
Together, we can build safer schools and a brighter future for the next generation.
Wishing you all a Merry and Safe Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Written by
Lynsey Hanson