The Department for Education has updated statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), and Health Education in primary schools, coming into effect in September 2026. One of the most significant changes is the shift from “Internet Safety and Harms” to “Wellbeing Online.” This reflects a more positive, holistic approach to children’s digital experiences, moving beyond just focusing on risks to empowering children to engage safely, responsibly, and positively with the online world. This is somthing we’re passionate about at The Essential Safeguarding Company, and we will be supporting clients in implementing relevent changes as the new academic year progresses, in time for next September.
The updated guidance encourages schools to promote healthy digital habits, positive online relationships, and effective screen time management, while helping children understand how online spaces can affect their mental health. This more proactive approach replaces the previous focus on dangers such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content, aiming instead to equip children with the skills to navigate the digital world with confidence. During recent visits to schools, children have been keen to share how they are learning to keep themselves safe online, and we welcome even more robust guidence to support staff.
A key addition to the curriculum is a focus on online gaming, monetisation, scams, and online fraud. Children will learn about age ratings and why certain games are suitable only for specific age groups, in-game purchases and loot boxes, and how to identify scams, phishing attempts, and online fraud. These lessons also aim to develop financial awareness and encourage children to make informed decisions when engaging with digital content. By integrating these topics into the curriculum, schools are helping children to develop both digital wellbeing and financial literacy from a young age.
In line with the new guidence, Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7) children are introduced to privacy, respectful online behaviour, and age-appropriate content, while Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11) children explore more complex topics, including online relationships, managing screen time, recognising monetisation in games, and spotting scams and online fraud. Importantly, this guidance is embedded across subjects, so digital wellbeing becomes a consistent part of a child’s education, not limited to IT lessons. Weaving digital safety throughout the currculm is so valuable, and is somthing we are always keen to look for when visiting client schools and colleges.
We have seen how these topics resonates with parents; during one of our popular “Empowering Parents” workshops last year, we specifically focused on online gaming, helping families understand age ratings, monetisation strategies, and the importance of fostering healthy digital habits at home. In light of this, we will continue to support schools in navigating this ever-evolving digital age, helping both staff and families keep children safe and confident online.
Have you had experiences of safeguarding concerns linked to online activity? We’d love to hear from you! Send us your thoughts at emma@safeguardingco.co.uk