The DSL's Online Safety Responsibilities
Understanding your statutory responsibilities and how online safety fits within the broader safeguarding framework.
KCSIE and the DSL role
Keeping Children Safe in Education places specific responsibilities on the DSL regarding online safety. You are expected to understand the risks associated with children's online activity, ensure appropriate filtering and monitoring is in place, and take the lead on online safety issues. This is not a technical role — it is a safeguarding leadership role that requires you to coordinate resources, challenge providers, and advocate for children's safety.
Key takeaway
The DSL's online safety responsibility is about safeguarding leadership, not technical expertise.
Governance and accountability
Governors and trustees hold the school to account for its safeguarding arrangements, including online safety. As DSL, you should provide regular briefings to the governing body on online safety incidents, policy reviews, and the effectiveness of filtering and monitoring. Establish a clear reporting schedule and ensure governors understand both the risks and the mitigations in place.
Key takeaway
Regular, structured reporting to governors demonstrates accountability and keeps online safety visible at leadership level.