UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) Policy Updates 2025

Schools and colleges across the UK are increasingly relying on technology in the learning space, making the need for digital and online safety a top priority for IT and Safeguarding leads. Our social and cultural landscape is changing and, especially in some corners, it can be rather dark and dangerous – UKSIC’s standards are changing to reflect that and to keep children and young people safe in the online learning space.

New Changes to UKSIC Policy

UKSIC has recently expanded the definitions to illegal and inappropriate online content.

The list of Illegal Content now includes:

• Intimate image abuse
• Coercive behaviour
• Fraud
• Racially or religiously motivated public order offences
• Promoting or facilitating suicide

This list ensures schools automatically filter these topics, and that staff cannot remove or disable these block lists.

There has also been updates and additions to the list of Inappropriate Online Content:

• Mis/Disinformation
• Harmful content (bullying, dangerous stunts, and extreme violence)
• Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

This means that content that promotes incorrect or damaging information or promotes distrust in official scientific bodies should be blocked . Additionally, content from online influencers that encourages VAWG, and other dangerous and damaging messages and behaviour should be filtered too.

Filtering System Features Update 

UKSIC’s updates have also indicated that filtering systems should be able to cover the need for a hybrid approach to digital spaces (able to filter on networks, devices, and cloud). The updates also specify that filtering systems should be able to identify users and devices – this will in turn enable differentiated filtering based on age restrictions and even individual filtering.

AI in the Classroom 

With our current global tech climate, we cannot overstate the impact AI is having on our lives in general and especially in the classroom. The new UKSIC and Governmental guidance will encourage schools to assess AI generated content and platforms.

No, AI will not be replacing teachers or doing all students’ homework.

Instead, this new guidance will allow schools the space to:

• Decide which AI content and platforms should be blocked or monitored
• Use AI that have built in safety features
• Allow for log keeping of AI usage in the classroom.

Conclusion

These updates reflect the changing online landscape of our current climate, gives us insight into the best ways to safeguard children and young people in digital spaces, and empowers schools and colleges to do so.

At Lightspeed Systems, our goal is to support you through these changes and make safer e-learning spaces together. Our filtering and monitoring solutions are designed to be up to date with the latest standards and guidelines, and to create the safest and most productive learning environment for students and staff.

If your school needs any guidance following these new updates, contact us here.