DfE guidance has changed – here’s what your safeguarding strategy needs to reflect

On 1st September 2025, the Department for Education’s updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance comes into effect – carrying with it meaningful implications for the way schools approach digital safeguarding.

With new language around online harms, greater clarity on safeguarding expectations in alternative provision – and further changes on the horizon for RSHE and gender identity – now is the time for safeguarding leads and SLTs to ensure policies, training and systems remain compliant, current and workable for school environments.

A teacher leans over to assist a smiling student at a laptop in a classroom setting. The student is wearing a white shirt and a tie, while the teacher is dressed in a light-colored blouse. Other students are seen in the background, also engaged

Digital safeguarding in focus

Why schools must act on the new KCSIE wording around misinformation and conspiracy content

In its updated list of online safeguarding harms, KCSIE 2025 now explicitly includes misinformation, disinformation (including fake news), and conspiracy theories – reinforcing the message that pupils must be protected from an increasingly sophisticated surge of online manipulation.

This small addition to the wording reflects a growing concern across the sector: that students, particularly at secondary level, are being exposed to AI-generated videos, harmful ideologies and algorithm-driven conspiracy content. A TES safeguarding survey earlier this year found that monitoring online behaviour outside of school was the biggest challenge for school staff – cited more often than any other issue.

The inclusion of misinformation and conspiracy theories in statutory safeguarding language means schools must now be able to demonstrate how they are actively educating students to question digital content, understand bias and spot manipulation. The KCSIE updates underline that this is now a safeguarding priority.

Students and a teacher in an IT room using desktop computers

Building critical thinking into online safety provision

Curriculum and CPD must address digital threats in context

While content filtering and technical controls are essential, KCSIE states that these are not enough as an isolated strategy. Schools must teach pupils the skills to navigate digital platforms safely and with critical thought.

This includes:

Recognising persuasive techniques

Identifying when information may be false or misleading

Understanding the risks of extremist content online

Knowing when and how to seek support

Compliance through clarity and consistency

Statutory attendance guidance and safeguarding checks

As well as the important focus on online harms, KCSIE 2025 also includes technical updates that reinforce schools’ wider safeguarding obligations:

The Working Together to Improve School Attendance guidance is now confirmed as statutory. Schools are required to share daily attendance registers with the DfE and follow a national framework for penalty notices.

Expectations for alternative provision have been clarified. Schools must obtain written confirmation that AP providers have conducted appropriate staff checks, inform commissioning schools of changes and ensure regular reviews of placements.

These additions serve to tighten up processes that were already in place – but which now carry clearer expectations for oversight, communication and accountability.

Planning and preparing for the updated RSHE curriculum

New RSHE and gender identity guidance released

KCSIE 2025 also notes that the new guidance on RSHE (released July 2025) should be considered in relation to Safeguarding training for education staff.

Adjustments and changes include strengthened expectations around transparency, inclusivity, and digital safeguarding. Schools are encouraged to embed a consistent approach to digital safeguarding, with a particular focus on helping pupils identify harmful online content and challenge misogynistic myths. Establishing this foundation now will support schools in confidently adapting to future statutory updates.

mandi jackson education and training lead at computeam

Digital safeguarding training for school staff

Learning Locker supports effective, manageable safeguarding CPD

The statutory updates in KCSIE 2025 require schools to review and update policies, deliver training and ensure staff understand evolving risks. For many DSLs and safeguarding leads, that means finding time in packed schedules to train staff, ensure compliance with document completion and prepare staff for potential inspections.

Computeam’s Learning Locker platform has been developed specifically to ease that increasing pressure – providing schools with a flexible, self-paced CPD environment where safeguarding, online safety and compliance training can be delivered efficiently and consistently.

With the 2025 changes coming into effect, the platform already includes up-to-date course content reflecting the latest additions – including the new safeguarding risks around misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories.

On the issue of responding directly to the new focus on misinformation and deepfake content, a short video module – first developed for Safer Internet Day – is available for immediate use on the Learning Locker platform.

It gives practical examples and guidance on how to spot AI-generated manipulation and is ideal for schools looking to support staff in understanding the real-world impact of the new KCSIE language.

Learning Locker also includes a dedicated Teaching Online Safety course, designed to support new staff or RSHE leads building their confidence around digital safeguarding topics. All modules are CPD-certified and can be accessed on-demand, reducing the need for scheduled sessions and supporting flexible working arrangements.

The platform is there to save schools time, provide consistency in training and ensure your safeguarding response remains aligned with the guidance – without adding to workload.

Find out more about Learning Locker >

Technical responses to digital safeguarding

Supporting a safer digital environment through proactive systems

As well as core CPD, through Computeam Connect, we provide a suite of technical services that strengthen your digital safeguarding provision while reducing pressure on staff.

These include secure, filtered internet access backed by dynamic monitoring and detailed reporting. Our remote management service allows for real-time alerts and rapid responses, helping schools resolve safeguarding concerns without delay or disruption. To support wellbeing as well as safety, we also offer Securly Aware – an intelligent tool that identifies early signs of harm such as cyberbullying, anxiety or distress.

Each of these tools is designed to help schools stay compliant while creating a more responsive and resilient digital environment. In short, Computeam Connect delivers the practical support schools need.

Looking ahead

Embedding safety, not reacting to risk

KCSIE 2025 creates a clear directive: digital safeguarding remains central to student safety, and schools must continue adapting to the complex realities of online life.

From misinformation to attendance, alternative provision to training delivery – safeguarding leads and SLTs are tasked with creating systems that are proactive, not reactive.

If your school is reviewing its online safety strategy in response to KCSIE 2025 – or you’re planning staff CPD for the year ahead – we’re here to help. Get in touch to find out more about how Computeam supports schools in building safe, secure digital learning environments.

Speak to Computeam about your digital safeguarding strategy >