Following the implementation of the Online Safety Act, there has been a dramatic spike in VPN downloads by children and young people, becoming the most downloaded apps on the Apple App Store.

This briefing is designed to ensure your team is prepared, not just reactive, to this trend. Staff should be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to the risks associated with VPN use. The potential incidents include young people bypassing safety controls and being exposed to inappropriate or harmful content. Untrustworthy VPNs can also expose a user’s data and pose security threats, such as introducing malware or turning a device into a proxy for cybercrime.

Having this briefing readily available ensures a quick, coordinated, and informed response that helps to protect your students, staff, and wider school communit