The Online Landscape Today
What school staff need to know about the platforms and risks children face.
What children are using
Children's digital lives extend far beyond social media. Gaming platforms, messaging apps, livestreaming, AI chatbots, and virtual worlds all carry risks. Many of these platforms are used by children well below the official minimum age. Understanding the landscape helps you have informed conversations with pupils and parents.
Key takeaway
Children's digital lives are broader than most adults realise — stay informed about the platforms they actually use.
Current risk areas
Key risk areas for school-age children include: online grooming, sharing of intimate images, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content (self-harm, eating disorders, extremism), and excessive screen use affecting wellbeing. These risks evolve quickly, so regular updates are essential.
Key takeaway
Online risks evolve rapidly — make time for regular updates to stay current.