Welcome Back to Your January Newsletter!
There has been lots happening in Safer Schools throughout the month of January leading up to the launch of our new Digital Proficiency Course. We’re so excited to announce its release in time for Safer Internet Day! Keep reading in this edition to find out a little more about the course, the tests and what’s been happening ahead of the launch.
News and Alerts ℹ️
Key updates and alerts as seen on your App’s news feed.
We are delighted to announce that our Digital Proficiency Course is now live within the Safer Schools web and mobile app for the entire school community. This video-based course and test aim to build knowledge and confidence for pupils, staff and parents/carers to navigate the online world safely. It’s ready for you to participate within your Safer Schools app now! Not seeing it in your app? Check out our tech support below!
We have been sharing the excitement with so many schools across the region who have already committed their participation in the course, some even delivering it to their pupils on launch day!
Make sure your school doesn’t miss out, it’s free to access within your Safer Schools App today.
If a school demonstrates a whole school commitment to get involved, they will be awarded the Certified Safer School status!
Find out more on our web page here and get in touch with your school’s administrators to find out more.
Copyrighting and Reporting Content and Imagery ©️
Check out our latest article which explains how UK copyright laws protect personal images and provides practical steps like using the © symbol to help you maintain control over your content on social media. It also offers vital tips for parents on discussing digital footprints and privacy settings with young people to ensure they stay safe online.
Safer Sims and Mobile Providers 📲
Within your app’s Online Safety Guidance, we’ve released a new article on Safer Sims and Mobile Providers. UK mobile networks use content locks to protect under 18s from adult material, with newer innovations like EE’s “Safer SIMs” providing controls and scam protection. Read under Need to Know in your app to learn of the key features, pros, cons and how to’s for these network-level blockers.
Make sure your push notifications are on so you don’t miss the release of any safeguarding advice in your Safer Schools app!
Not receiving notifications? Read our support article here.
Technical Support 👩🏼💻
Latest App Update
Make sure you have the latest version of the Safer Schools app in order to view the new Digital Proficiency Course. If it’s not appearing in your app’s home screen, pull down to refresh and make sure there are no pending updates in your App or Google Play store. There will be a dedicated section for it at the top of your app so you can’t miss it!
If you are still having trouble, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us on 02896 005 777.
Don’t forget you can log into Safer Schools NI on any device with a web browser via the Web App, available now for all roles.
Training 🗓️
Digital Proficiency Information Webinar
Did you catch our latest information webinar covering everything you need to know about the Digital Proficiency Course?
You can watch the recording here to learn about the course content, delivery options and so much more, in just 20 minutes!
Don’t miss out on educating, empowering and protecting your entire school community with this course for a Safer Internet movement!
Resource Highlight ✨
Digital Proficiency Tests
As well as the Digital Proficiency Course, you have access to the Digital Proficiency test within your Safer Schools app too!
Colin Stitt, Head of Safer Schools notes that “Decades ago, ‘Cycling Proficiency’ taught us to navigate the physical world safely; today that ‘road’ has become digital.”
These new tests allow you and the young people in your care to put your knowledge to the test to equip you to navigate the online world with confidence.
Focusing on the ”5 C’s” of online risk - Content, Contact, Conduct, Commerce, and Cyber Security - this tool provides the hard data and insights your school needs to bridge the gap between being tech-savvy and tech-safe. From AI usage to staff digital literacy, your school will be able to measure exactly where it stands in the face of online risks.
Take the test now and you’ll receive a digital certificate upon completion, perfect to take pride of place on the fridge!
Community News and Updates 📢
Did you know that hundreds of schools have registered their interest in participating in our new Digital Proficiency Course, committing to empower pupils, staff and parents/carers to stay safer online.
Could your school be the first in your area to receive the Certified Safer School status?
They need your help, only schools who demonstrate a full school commitment to take part will receive the badge, that includes you! Complete the course in your Safer Schools app today!
Feel free to let us know if your school has begun delivering the course, we’d love to hear from you!
Feature Spotlight 🔦
Pupil Log In for Web App
You Spoke, We Listened.
We are excited to announce that the Safer Schools App is now available via a web browser for older children and young people. This new pupil ‘role’ update means that pupils can access essential safeguarding content and courses not only on mobile devices such as phones and tablets, but also in an ICT suite, on a library desktop or using home devices.
Simple Access: To log in, students just need to select the ‘Pupil’ role and enter their unique Pupil Entry Code.
Where to find your code: These codes are located within your school’s Management Portal. If you’re unsure who your App Administrator is, or if you need help getting started, our team is here to support you:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02896 005 777
Media News 🗞️
🛡️ Cyber flashing just became a priority offence – here’s what changes from today - As of January 2026, the UK has designated cyber-flashing as a ”priority offence,” legally requiring tech platforms to proactively detect and block unsolicited sexual images or face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue
⚙️ How X decides what 550 Million users see - This article provides a technical breakdown of the X (formerly Twitter) recommendation engine, explaining how the platform uses machine learning and ranking algorithms to filter through billions of posts to populate a user’s “For You” timeline.
🎤 What do Hampshire teens think about social media ban - In this video, teenagers share a range of opinions on a potential social media ban for under-16s.
💎 Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp to trial premium subscriptions – Meta is preparing to trial premium subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, offering paid users exclusive access to advanced autonomous AI “agents” and video generation tools while keeping core social networking services free.
🤖 He calls me sweetheart and winks at me – but he’s not my boyfriend, he’s AI - Research highlights a growing trend of UK teenagers using AI companions for emotional support, with many finding these virtual interactions more satisfying than real-life friendships despite serious global warnings about safety risks and the lack of human guardrails.
License, Links and Logins 🔑
All the relevant information you need to access the world of Safer Schools at your fingertips!
Reminder – You can also add additional school admins in the ‘Admin Users’ menu of the portal.
Did you know…
“Seven in ten (70%) children aged 11-17 had seen or heard some form of content harmful to children”
Source: Ofcom 2025
Make sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and developments!
