1. Introduction & Purpose
Taqwa Institute is committed to keeping all children aged 4–16 safe online. This policy is underpinned by:
- Online Safety Act 2023 — the primary legislation governing online safety in the UK
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 (Part 5: online safety)
- ICO Children's Code (Age Appropriate Design Code)
- DfE Filtering and Monitoring Standards for Schools (2023)
- UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) guidance
This policy is read alongside our Safeguarding Policy, Data Protection Policy, Behaviour Policy, and Social Media Policy.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All pupils aged 4–16 using Taqwa Institute devices or networks
- All staff and volunteers using any digital technology at Taqwa Institute
- Any online activity connected to Taqwa Institute programmes, including remote/online learning
- Personal devices brought onto Taqwa Institute premises
3. Key Online Risks
Content Risks
Age-inappropriate, harmful or illegal content including pornography, extreme violence, self-harm content, radicalisation/extremist material, and content promoting disordered eating.
Contact Risks
Unwanted or inappropriate contact from adults or peers, including grooming, cyberstalking, harassment, and solicitation.
Conduct Risks
Behaviour by children online that may harm themselves or others, including cyberbullying, sexting, sharing of inappropriate content, and gaming-related harms.
Commerce / Contract Risks
Online scams, illegal downloading, gambling, in-app purchases, and privacy violations.
4. Filtering & Monitoring Standards
In line with the DfE's Filtering and Monitoring Standards (2023):
- Internet access on Taqwa premises is filtered to block illegal and age-inappropriate material
- Filtering is reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident
- Monitoring systems alert responsible adults to potential safeguarding concerns
- The DSL oversees all filtering and monitoring arrangements
Pupils should understand that internet use on Taqwa systems is monitored for child protection purposes.
5. Acceptable Use
Pupils must:
- Use devices and the internet only for educational purposes
- Never share personal information (name, address, school, photos) online
- Never access, create or share inappropriate, offensive or harmful content
- Never engage in cyberbullying, harassment or intimidation
- Report anything that makes them feel unsafe or worried to a trusted adult
- Never meet anyone they have only met online without informing a parent/carer
Staff must:
- Sign the Acceptable Use Agreement annually
- Never use personal devices to contact pupils except via official Taqwa channels
- Never store pupil data on personal devices
- Report all online safety concerns to the DSL immediately
- Model responsible and professional digital behaviour at all times
6. Mobile Phones & Personal Devices
Pupils must not use personal mobile phones or devices during Taqwa Institute sessions. Devices must be switched off and stored securely. Any pupil found using a personal device without authorisation will have it confiscated until collected by a parent/carer.
Staff must not use personal mobile phones in classrooms or whilst supervising pupils.
7. Social Media
Pupils must never:
- Share personal information, photos or videos identifying themselves or other pupils
- Engage in online activity constituting bullying, harassment or defamation
- Misrepresent themselves or impersonate others
Staff must not:
- Connect with pupils or their parents/carers on personal social media accounts
- Discuss Taqwa Institute business or individual pupils on personal social media
- Post any content that could embarrass Taqwa Institute or undermine their professional standing
8. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is treated with the same seriousness as face-to-face bullying under Taqwa's Anti-Bullying Policy. This includes:
- Abusive or threatening messages, emails, or social media posts
- Sharing of embarrassing or manipulated images without consent
- Exclusion from online groups as a form of social isolation
- Impersonation online
All incidents are investigated and logged. Serious or persistent cyberbullying may be referred to police.
9. Child-on-Child Abuse Online
In line with KCSiE 2024, Taqwa Institute recognises that children can abuse other children online, including sharing intimate images of other children, online coercion, and online grooming of peers. Any such concerns are immediately referred to the DSL and, where appropriate, to police and children's services.
10. Reporting Concerns
- Pupils: Report to any trusted adult at Taqwa, or call Childline on 0800 1111
- Parents/Carers: Contact office@taqwainstitute.org or 0161 633 3626
- Staff: Report to the DSL immediately
- Illegal content: Report to the Internet Watch Foundation at www.iwf.org.uk
11. Education & Awareness
- Age-appropriate e-safety sessions for pupils aged 4–16
- Parent/carer information on supporting children online
- Annual staff training incorporating Online Safety Act 2023 requirements
- Raising awareness of the Islamic perspective on responsible digital conduct
12. Policy Review
Reviewed annually by the DSL / Principal.
Next review: Academic Year 2026–2027
Taqwa Institute | Crossbank Street, Oldham, OL8 1HE | Charity No: 1131176 office@taqwainstitute.org | 0161 633 3626 | www.taqwainstitute.org