Artificial Intelligence (AI), Online Safety & Safeguarding

Our Online Life

Welcome to the online safety guidance page. This page focuses on providing guidance on how to keep safe online for both young people and parents. The page is designed to showcase some of the work that students have undertaken to develop their knowledge about keeping themselves safe online, as well as showcasing some of the benefits of using the Internet too.

The world wide web is a place for learning, entertainment and socialising. It is almost impossible today, to remove access to the Internet from our children. It is my view that children should be taught how to use the world wide web for exploring the world around them. The world wide web is a safe place for our children to use, as long as they know how to use it properly and take advice. Unfortunately, like everyday life, there are dangers on the world wide web but as long as you know what to watch out for then you should be safe.

As a school we endeavour to not only protect, but to educate our young people on the risks associated with technology. We do this through filtering and monitoring the use of technology in school alongside a comprehensive programme of study.

• All web content is filtered using Smoothwall to limit online content in school
• All technology use is monitored using Senso, which provides real time data of inappropriate use
• SPE and IT lessons devoted to exploring online risks
• Assemblies and tutor led activities on current content/issues/apps
• Involvement in a range of initiatives such as Safer Internet Day

Mrs R McGhie (Deputy Head – Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Mrs M Dudley (Assistant Head – Director of IT) oversee online safety in the school. 

Keeping Children Safe in a Digital World 

We recognise that digital technology and particularly the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both powerful opportunities and serious risks for children and young people. 

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025) and Department for Education guidance, we are committed to ensuring that AI and digital technologies are used responsibly, safely, and productively, while protecting our pupils from harm. 

A Whole-School Approach to Online Safety and AI 

Safeguarding at Studley High school is not just about systems — it is about culture, education, and relationships. Our approach includes: 

• Strong leadership and governance oversight 
• Clear policies and procedures 
• Staff training and professional development 
• Curriculum education 
• Student voice and pupil engagement 
• Parental partnership and communication 
• Robust filtering and monitoring systems 
• Proactive risk assessment and review 

This reflects the DfE’s expectation that safeguarding, including online safety and AI, must underpin all aspects of school life. 

The Positive Use of AI in Education 

AI can be a powerful tool when used responsibly. At Studley High school, we recognise its educational value and its role in preparing young people for the future world of work and learning. 

Positive and productive uses of AI include: 

• Supporting learning and revision 
• Personalised learning support 
• Assistive technologies for SEND learners 
• Research and information retrieval 
• Creative projects and digital literacy 
• Supporting safeguarding through content detection and filtering technologies 
• Online safety education tools and platforms 

AI is also used nationally to: 

• Detect and remove harmful online content 
• Identify child exploitation material 
• Prevent cyberbullying 
• Support online moderation 
• Promote safer online behaviours 

We actively teach students how to use AI ethically, critically and responsibly, not as a shortcut, but as a learning support tool. 

The Safeguarding Risks of AI 

Alongside its benefits, AI also presents significant safeguarding risks, particularly for children and young people. 

These risks fall into the four recognised online safety categories: 

Content Risks 

• Exposure to harmful, violent, extremist or sexual material 
• AI-generated misinformation and fake news 
• Deepfakes and manipulated images/videos 
• Harmful self-harm or suicide content 

Contact Risks 

• AI chatbots and fake identities used for grooming 
• Sexual exploitation and extortion (sextortion) 
• Manipulative AI-driven interactions 
• Predatory behaviour disguised as AI support tools 

Conduct Risks 

• Creating or sharing harmful AI-generated images 
• Online bullying and harassment 
• Coercion and exploitation 
• Loss of control over personal content 

Commerce Risks 

• Online scams and fraud 
• AI-generated phishing 
• Financial exploitation 
• Data harvesting and privacy breaches 

National evidence shows: 

• A significant rise in misinformation and disinformation 
• Rapid growth in online grooming and sexual exploitation 
• A major increase in sextortion cases, particularly affecting boys 
• Growing concerns around AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) 
• Increasing deepfake exposure among young people 
• Children accessing harmful AI tools with little or no built-in protection 

What the Department for Education Expects Schools to Do 

In line with DfE guidance, Studley High School ensures: 

• AI is included in our Online Safety Policy 
• Regular risk assessments of digital tools 
• Annual online safety and filtering reviews 
• Strong governance oversight 
• Staff training on AI and digital safeguarding 
• Curriculum education on AI literacy 
• Pupil voice activities on digital experiences 
• Parental engagement and education 
• Clear safeguarding response pathways 
• Filtering and monitoring systems that are: 
• Proportionate 
• Effective 
• Regularly reviewed 
• Actively monitored 
• We do not block learning, we manage risk responsibly. 

Our Message to Students 

At Studley High School, students are taught that: 

• You are not to blame if something goes wrong online 
• You will never get into trouble for reporting concerns 
• You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported 
• What happens online is real life 
• AI is a tool — not a replacement for thinking 
• Not everything online is true 
• You should never feel pressured to share images, information or content 
• Help is always available 

We work hard to create a culture where students feel safe to speak, not silent through fear. 

Our Message to Parents and Carers 

We know that parenting in a digital world is complex and challenging. You are not expected to be technology experts. 

We encourage parents to: 

• Talk openly with children about AI and online safety 
• Ask what apps and platforms they use 
• Set healthy digital boundaries 
• Use parental controls and monitoring tools 
• Encourage critical thinking about online content 
• Reinforce that mistakes can be fixed 
• Report concerns early 
• Work in partnership with the school 

Safeguarding works best when school and home work together. 

Reporting a Concern 

If you have a concern about: 

• AI use 
• Online behaviour 
• Online content 
• Grooming 
• Exploitation 
• Harmful material 
• Sextortion 
• Cyberbullying 
• Digital safety 

Please contact the school immediately and speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.