TES Safeguarding Awareness Week

Responding to Digital Safeguarding Disclosures

In today’s technology-focused world, our safeguarding responsibilities extend to responding to digital behaviour as part of our broader commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for staff and individuals.

No matter how safeguarding concerns arise or are disclosed, we must be prepared to respond appropriately, compassionately, and in line with our statutory and organisational safeguarding policies and procedures.

Disclosures in a digital world

Disclosures do not just happen in person. Someone might post a comment or message online, share something during a digital check-in, or hint at distress through online behaviour. The lines between online and offline life are increasingly blurred, and our approach to safeguarding must reflect that.

A disclosure might involve:

• Online grooming or exploitation
• Cyberbullying or coercion
• Exposure to harmful content or communication
• Fear or emotional distress triggered by digital interactions

Whether the situation involves digital or face-to-face risk, the way we respond can have a significant impact on individuals’ safety.

Responding to disclosures

So, how should we respond when an individual makes a disclosure to us around something they are concerned about online?

1: Listen, don’t lead

If an individual makes a disclosure, we need to stay calm and composed, as our reaction can greatly influence how safe they feel moving forward. It is important that we listen actively and without judgment, giving them the space they need to speak, without us interrupting.

It is crucial to avoid asking any leading questions such as, “Did they do this to you?” or “Were you abused?” as this can unintentionally shape an individual’s response. And if the disclosure goes on to become part of a legal process, our words and actions will be scrutinised and could affect the outcome. Instead, we should use open-ended questions when necessary, such as, “Can you tell me what happened?” or “How are you feeling?”

2: Know our safeguarding responsibilities

As professionals working with children, young people, and adults, we should all be familiar with our organisation’s safeguarding policy. We need to know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or the person responsible for safeguarding is, and how to contact them, as well as how to report a concern, both during and outside of working hours.

It is also essential that we understand what needs to be recorded and how to do this safely and securely. If we are unsure about relevant recording and reporting procedures, we should be proactive about seeking guidance and support, so that we are always well prepared.

Once a disclosure is made, we cannot guarantee confidentiality. Instead, we can be clear that our role is to help keep the individual safe, which may involve sharing what they have told us with others.

We must follow our safeguarding procedures without delay, as timely reporting is critical. When recording the disclosure, we should do so factually, using the individual’s own words where possible, and avoid making any interpretations, assumptions, or value judgements.

3: Know our own limitations

When someone makes an upsetting disclosure, it is natural for us to want to help; however, it is important to remember our role, its boundaries, and our own limitations.

Unless we are specifically trained and employed in such a role, we are not therapists or trauma experts and, as such, it is not our responsibility to ‘fix’ someone or explore their experiences more deeply than is appropriate.

Instead, we can offer support by listening, offering reassurance, adhering to appropriate safeguarding procedures, and helping to plan next steps. This could involve working as part of a multidisciplinary team, sharing information with relevant people or agencies, or signposting to specialist services such as counsellors, digital safety advisors, or therapeutic support. Where appropriate, we might involve the individual in decisions and make plans together, based on their needs and the support available.

By recognising the limitations of our role and experience, we help prevent unintentional harm—even when our intentions are good—and ensure that those at risk receive the right support, at the right time.

4: Plan and implement a follow-up process

After a disclosure and safeguarding action, our relationship with the individual does not end; it simply enters a new phase. When appropriate, and once everyone involved is ready, ongoing conversations can be a valuable way to move forward. These conversations can help build trust and connection, provide space to reflect on what has happened, and identify support needed in the future.

This stage should always be guided by the individual’s readiness and needs. It may involve adapting the environment, using alternative communication strategies, or co-creating calming and supportive activities. Our role is to ensure that this next phase is handled with sensitivity, care, and a focus on ongoing support.

5: Supporting digital safeguarding

Digital safety goes beyond just firewalls and filters; it also involves learning about and understanding appropriate online behaviour, boundaries, and relationships.

After an online-related disclosure, we need to take proactive, practical steps to protect individuals. This might include reviewing privacy settings, blocking or reporting harmful content, and putting a plan in place for ongoing digital safety awareness. We also need to make sure all staff are trained in digital safety, to ensure a consistent approach and promote shared understanding.

We should also consider whether the individual’s support plan needs to be updated to reflect any new digital risks that have come to light. Where appropriate, it may also be necessary to involve families, carers, or external services to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Whatever our setting or service, responding to a safeguarding disclosure is an important responsibility. How we respond can shape how safe and supported someone feels, both now and in the future, and has significant implications for all of us.

We can remember to listen without judgement, avoid asking leading questions, and follow our safeguarding recording and reporting procedures thoroughly. Working as part of a team, sharing information, focusing on building digital safety skills, and setting up follow-up conversations can all help to build trust and plan for the future.

When we respond clearly and consistently to disclosures about digital safety, we do more than just protect—we empower.