Protecting pupils in a digital age: Ulster Unionists champion 100% school uptake of Safer Schools App

In an era where smartphones and social media dominate young lives, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) is intensifying its push for comprehensive digital safeguarding in Northern Ireland’s schools.

This week, UUP Education spokesperson Colin Crawford MLA and Children & Young People’s spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA met with Belfast-based INEQE Safeguarding Group to discuss the transformative potential of the Safer Schools app, urging its adoption by every school across the region.

The meeting, held in Belfast, comes amid heightened public concern over online safety, spurred by a recent high-profile case of cyber “catfishing” and the ongoing discourse surrounding Netflix’s Adolescence as an educative tool to prevent harm.

With bullying—particularly its insidious online variants—remaining a persistent challenge, the UUP representatives sought detailed insights into the app’s rollout and its impact on Northern Ireland’s school communities.

“When it comes to the safety of our schoolchildren, there can be no room for hesitation,” Mr Crawford declared.

“The Safer Schools app offers a comprehensive tool for pupils, parents, and teachers, collating information, guidance, and short videos in an age-appropriate format. Developed at speed during the Covid crisis, the app has evolved significantly, and I would like to see it taken up by all schools across Northern Ireland.”

A Robust Digital Safeguarding Solution

Developed by INEQE Safeguarding Group, a Northern Ireland-based firm specialising in child protection, the Safer Schools app is designed to empower school communities to navigate the complexities of the digital world.

Tailored to meet the needs of students, educators, parents, and school leaders, the app delivers age-appropriate content addressing critical issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, and online privacy management.

For pupils, the app provides accessible guidance to recognise and respond to digital dangers. Teachers benefit from Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-certified training and practical resources to bolster their safeguarding responsibilities. Parents and carers receive up-to-date advice to support their children’s online safety, while school leaders gain tools to assess and enhance their institution’s digital safeguarding practices.

The app’s content is regularly updated to reflect emerging risks posed by social media, online gaming, and new technologies, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

Northern Ireland’s schools are grappling with escalating challenges related to online harms, digital well-being, and social media pressures.

Recent studies reveal that one in three children aged 8 to 15 in the region has experienced some form of online bullying, while over 70% of parents feel ill-equipped to address the digital risks their children face. With smartphone access increasingly common among younger age groups, the need for robust safeguarding measures has never been more urgent.

The Safer Schools app tackles these issues head-on, offering real-time, trustworthy resources to help school communities identify risks early and respond effectively. From combating harmful online trends to equipping students with the skills to navigate their digital lives responsibly, the app serves as both a preventive and educational tool.

Robbie Butler MLA, a father of three primary school-aged children, underscored the app’s personal significance.

“I commend INEQE for their commitment to child safety, and I urge any remaining schools yet to explore this app to come on board,” he said.

“The prevalence of bullying hasn’t receded; in fact, online bullying has multiplied its impact immeasurably. As a parent, I can clearly see the advantages and safeguards this app offers.”

A Call for Universal Adoption

The UUP’s advocacy for the Safer Schools app aligns with broader efforts to strengthen child protection in an increasingly connected world. By fostering collaboration between educators, parents, and pupils, the app enhances communication and ensures that entire school communities are equipped to address digital challenges.

Mr Butler concluded with a rallying call:

“Every child deserves to feel safe, both in the classroom and online. The Safer Schools app is already making a difference in hundreds of schools, and I want to see that impact reach every corner of Northern Ireland. Let’s work together to ensure no school, no pupil, and no parent is left without the tools they need to stay safe in the digital world.”

As online threats continue to evolve, the Safer Schools app stands as a beacon of proactive safeguarding, offering Northern Ireland’s schools a vital resource to protect their pupils in an ever-changing digital age.

For more information on the Safer Schools app, schools and parents can visit INEQE Safeguarding Group’s website.