Online School Safeguarding, Personal Well being and Child Protection

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the way we live our lives, and one of the most significant shifts has been in the education sector. With schools closed and the need for social distancing, many institutions have turned to online learning as a means of continuing education. Online schooling has not only changed how we educate students, but it has also positively impacted safeguarding, personal well-being, and child protection overall.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding in online schooling refers to the measures that are taken to protect students from harm, including abuse and neglect. Traditional schooling settings have long been known to be potential breeding grounds for these types of incidents, and online schooling has provided a new avenue for safeguarding measures to be put in place. Online schooling allows for more parental involvement in the learning process, and parents are able to monitor their children’s progress and online interactions closely.

One of the benefits of online schooling is the ability to keep students in a safer environment. Students attending traditional schools are often exposed to various dangers, including bullying, harassment, and physical violence. With online schooling, students are not exposed to these risks as they are able to learn from the safety of their own homes. Furthermore, online schooling allows students to learn in a more relaxed environment, which can reduce stress levels and improve their overall mental health.

Online schooling has also made it easier for teachers to detect any potential issues that may arise with students. Teachers are able to monitor the progress of each student closely, and any signs of underachievement, disengagement, or other issues can be picked up early. This means that teachers can intervene and provide support to students when they need it most.

In addition, online schooling has given parents more control over their children’s learning. Parents are able to choose which programs their children use and can monitor their progress closely. This means that they are able to identify any potential issues and provide support to their children where necessary.

Personal Well-being

Another important aspect of online schooling is the impact it can have on students’ personal well-being. The online learning environment is more flexible and allows students to learn at their own pace. This flexibility means that students are less likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed, which can have a positive impact on their mental health.

Online schooling also provides students with more opportunities to learn new skills and pursue their interests. Online learning platforms offer a wide range of subjects, including those that may not be available in traditional schools. This means that students are able to pursue their passions and learn more about subjects they are interested in.

Furthermore, online schooling allows for a more personalised approach to learning. Teachers are able to tailor their teaching to individual students’ needs, which means that students can receive targeted support that is specific to their needs. This personalised approach can help students to build their confidence and improve their self-esteem.

Child Protection

One of the key benefits of online schooling in terms of child protection is the fact that it allows for increased monitoring of students’ online activities. Children are exposed to a range of online risks, including cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to inappropriate content. Online schooling provides parents and teachers with more control over the online environment that their children are exposed to. This means that they are better able to identify any potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Furthermore, online schooling can help to reduce the risk of students being exposed to radicalization or extremist views. With more and more children spending time online, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that they are not exposed to harmful ideologies. Online schooling can help to provide a safe and secure learning environment that is free from extremist views.

In conclusion, online schooling can have a positive impact on safeguarding, personal well-being, and child protection overall. The flexibility and personalization that online schooling provides can help to reduce stress levels and improve students’ mental health.