Do Schools Need Children’s Access Assessments? Understanding the Online Safety Act

As the new school year begins, digital safety is once again a top priority for school leaders. With the Online Safety Act now in force, many schools are asking: Do schools need children’s access assessments?

The short answer is: probably not—but there are important caveats.

🔍 What Is a Children’s Access Assessment?

Under the Online Safety Act, services that fall under Part 3 of the legislation—such as user-to-user platforms and search engines—must assess whether children are likely to access their service. If they are, the provider must:

• Complete a children’s risk assessment

• Implement safety measures to protect young users

These rules apply to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—but what about schools?

🏫 Do School Websites or Platforms Qualify?

Most school websites and internal platforms do not fall under the scope of Part 3. That means they’re not legally required to conduct children’s access assessments unless they:

• Allow users to upload and share content that others can view (e.g. public forums or comment sections)

• Operate as search engines or searchable databases accessible to the public

If your school runs a platform that fits these definitions and is likely to be accessed by children, then yes—you must carry out an assessment.

✅ What Should Schools Do?

Even if not legally required, schools still have a duty of care. Here are practical steps to align with the spirit of the Online Safety Act:

1. Review Your Platforms

• Does your school website allow public comments or uploads?

• Do you use any third-party platforms that allow student interaction?

If yes, consider conducting an internal children’s access assessment—even if not legally mandated.

2. Update Your Social Media Management Policy

A clear policy helps staff understand:

• What’s appropriate to post

• How to protect student privacy

• How to respond to online incidents

📄 We’ve created a free social media management policy template for schools.

3. Train Staff and Governors

Make sure your team understands:

• The types of harmful content students may encounter

• How to report concerns to platforms and Ofcom

• New offences like cyberflashing and intimate image abuse

4. Empower Students

Digital safety education should help students:

• Recognise and report harmful content

• Understand the risks of sharing personal information

• Know their rights under the Online Safety Act

Final Thoughts

While schools may not be directly regulated under the Online Safety Act, they are still key players in creating a safer digital environment for children. By reviewing your platforms, updating policies, and educating your community, you can stay ahead of the curve and protect your students.