Back to School Digital Safety
Setting up devices, apps, and online safety habits for the new school year.
The start of a new school year often brings new devices, new apps, and new social dynamics. This guide helps you prepare your child digitally for the school year — from setting up parental controls to discussing online friendships.
Device health check
Before school starts, review parental controls on all devices. Update software, check content filters, and review installed apps. Remove anything no longer appropriate.
New app review
Children often discover new apps from school friends. Ask about any new apps they want and review them together using our app safety guides before installation.
Group chat preparation
School group chats start quickly. Discuss group chat expectations: no sharing of inappropriate content, leaving chats that become unkind, and telling a trusted adult about problems.
Online homework safety
If your child uses the internet for homework, ensure safe search is enabled, discuss reliable vs unreliable sources, and supervise AI tool usage for schoolwork.
Walking to school independently
If your child is gaining independence this year, practise the route together, agree on check-in times, and discuss what to do if plans change.
Related safety topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.