Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Internet Matters survey published in 2026, what guidance and training her Department provides to school staff on emerging digital threats.

A range of guidance, training and practical resources are available to support schools and colleges in ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard children effectively. This includes the department’s Cyber Security Hub for Schools and the National Cyber Security Centre’s training and guidance for schools. Members of the department’s Risk Protection Arrangement are required to complete this training annually.

​​The department has also published 12 digital and technology standards to help schools maintain safe and effective digital infrastructure. These include standards on cyber security and filtering and monitoring, and require schools to provide regular and up-to-date cyber security training and awareness activities.

​​To address emerging technologies, the department has published support materials to help schools and colleges use artificial intelligence (AI) safely and effectively. We are also developing a digital and data skills pathway, setting expectations for the skills and expertise needed across the sector to safely and effectively use technology, digital services, data and AI. The pathway is due to be published in early 2027 and will support continuing professional development and provide a consistent framework for future training and sector support.​