Leaders, DSLs, Governors
Equip yourselves with the essential aspects of digital monitoring and web filtering.
Do you have questions? Just Ask! We're here to support you, guide you, and deepen your understanding of digital monitoring and web filtering.
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In this short video, Ruth explains the differences between web filtering and digital monitoring technology, their importance in safeguarding students and why both are needed in education settings.
Our experts have selected the resources below to help enhance your understanding and learning about digital monitoring and web filtering.
Whether you are new to these topics or already have some knowledge, our whitepapers and videos will provide you with all the information you need.
We'll explain how digital monitoring and web filtering can enhance student digital safety and ensure KCSIE compliance.
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In just 90 seconds, Katherine Howard provides a brief overview of digital monitoring and its functionality.
Discover how the technology can help capture potential student risks on school devices.
Understand its crucial role in safeguarding children and how it empowers DSLs, equipping them with vital information to both intervene early and fulfil their obligations under KCSIE.
Key takeaways include:
A brief overview of web filtering in UK education
Key takeaways include:
What web filtering and digital monitoring are and how they work
The key web filtering and digital monitoring terms unpicked
Join our webinars and learn even more about digital monitoring and web filtering
as well as further understand your statutory obligations around these areas. Plus ask any questions you have.
The 8 Essential Components of Effective Digital Monitoring for DSLs
Mastering Digital Safeguarding: The Critical Roles of Web Filtering and Digital Monitoring
Thursday, 10th October @ 11am - 12pm
Join Katherine Howard and Tom Newton, where they'll explain the key differences between web filtering and digital monitoring and show you how they can best serve you to support your safeguarding efforts.
Recorded Webinar
KCSIE 2023 Updates: Web filtering & monitoring for DSLs explained
Catch-up on last year's KCSIE update webinar with Smoothwall experts Katherine Howard and Tom Newton, as a discuss the key distinctions between web filtering and monitoring, and what you need to be aware of to meet your obligations.
Watch on-demand
Discover some of the questions other DSLs and safeguarders have asked us about
digital monitoring and web filtering, with answers given by our experts.
Web filtering and digital monitoring - what's the difference?
Web filtering and monitoring work hand in hand when it comes to protecting pupils online.
Where web filtering is designed to block pupils from being able to access and view inappropriate content on the internet, digital monitoring analyses screen views and any keystrokes the child makes into a device to search for any risks.
Whether a user types into a browser, Microsoft document, or a social media platform, digital monitoring will capture the word/s even if they are immediately deleted, or never submitted or sent.
Can web filtering be adjusted for roles and age groups?
Modern web filters, such as Smoothwall Filter include granular controls that allow web filtering to be relaxed or made stricter based on your institute's needs.
In most cases, you'll find that web filtering rules can be set up to take into consideration, year groups or discern between staff and student users.
There are no standardised training programs or resources in place that DSLs need in order to understand digital monitoring or web filtering.
However, vendor such as Smoothwall can provide formal training and educational resources to help DSLs better understand their new responsibilities.
How do you prevent your web filter from overblocking?
Schools require content filtering that contextually analyses a web page to determine whether or not it should be blocked to the user.
Web filters that rely solely the URL or domain block lists tend to overclock as they are likely to overly restrict student access and/or leave students exposed to new harmful content that might go live.
Does digital monitoring generate alerts for specific websites, especially those not currently blocked?
Digital monitoring, unlike web filtering, does not generate alerts based on what sites students visit. It generates captures when a student types in something that could indicate a risk.
This leads to risks being discovered on sites that filters may on their own fail to pick up on.
Is digital monitoring only necessary for older pupils?
No. Digital safety is not just something that concerns older students.
Younger children remain just as exposed to risks online. Bad things can happen in good places. It's up to schools to effectively put in place "appropriate monitoring" to mitigate where risks do arise.
Is your filtering and/or monitoring up to the task? Get a free, objective assessment.
Want to know the type of filtering and/or monitoring used in your setting and whether it's robust enough to meet today's challenges?
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Real-time, human-moderated monitoring that alerts designated staff to students suspected of becoming vulnerable.
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