Would your school or trust survive a cyberattack tomorrow? With hackers targeting education, digital safeguarding is just as crucial as physical safety. Without a solid strategy, your student data, staff security and operations could be at serious risk.
In a recent episode of the Cloud Design Box Podcast, Darren Hemming sat down with Philippa Wraithmell, Founder of EdRuption to discuss the growing importance of digital safeguarding in schools.
With cyber threats on the rise, and students spending more time online, safeguarding is no longer only about physical security, but about protecting students, staff and their data in the digital space.
About Philippa Wraithmell and EdRuption
Philippa has a rich background in supporting schools to build successful digital strategies, which led her to pen her book The Digital Ecosystem, where she explores the importance of having strong foundations, policies, governance and safeguards in educational systems.
Philippa founded EdRuption with the vision to bridge the digital divide in schools globally. The company empowers schools with resources, expertise and innovation to create a digitally literate and inclusive educational environment.
Why digital safeguarding matters
A digital safeguarding strategy is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Schools are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, from hackers targeting student data to the risks of unmonitored online behaviour.
The vast amount of personal data schools store makes them prime targets for cyber threats. From phishing attacks to ransomware, a lack of proper digital safeguarding can have devastating consequences.
“Aside from hospitals, schools are probably the biggest wealth of data and information – dates of birth, locations, where they’ve been born, what their parents’ names are,” Philippa points out.
“That’s why safeguarding has to include digital.”
Bridging the gap between IT and safeguarding teams
One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the need for collaboration between IT teams and safeguarding leads. Traditionally, safeguarding teams have focused on student wellbeing, while IT teams manage infrastructure and security.
However, these two areas must work together to address modern digital risks effectively.
Philippa explains:
“Your safeguarding team as a whole, and as a core unit, need to grow. Schools need to have their Head of IT sharing information about the firewall. What key words are coming up? What are students looking at?”
Practical steps for school and MAT leaders for digital safeguarding
As Philippa describes in the podcast, implementing a strong digital safeguarding strategy involves several key considerations:
Regular staff training
Philippa emphasises that “everybody in schools should be trained in online safeguarding”
Both teachers and administrators must recognise the digital risks just as they do physical safeguarding concerns.
Role-based access and security
Schools must apply governance policies to ensure the right people have access to sensitive data while restricting unauthorised use.
Proactive monitoring
IT teams should track digital behaviours to detect potential safeguarding concerns.
Philippa notes:
“We need to look at things like, when students are logging on to do their homework? Are they working at 11pm and 2am then coming in late to school?”
Data protection and compliance
And of course, schools must ensure compliance with GDPR and cybersecurity best practices.
Philippa warns that “it generally comes down to human error. It can be as tiny as a misplaced letter in an email.”
Cloud Design Box helps MATs and schools apply governance and security to their digital environments, by providing well-governed areas for content, secured through role-based access and automation.
