Deputy Headmaster's Message - Keeping our Children Safe Online

By

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach Safer Internet Week next week, I will speak on a topic that has increasing importance - keeping our children safe online. In today’s digital age, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives, offering limitless opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. When I first moved to Asia, 22 years ago, keeping in contact with family in the UK meant a phone call once every few weeks. The advancements in online technology such as Facetime has been fantastic in making families feel closer than they actually are. However, this advancement in technology also presents unique challenges and risks for families, especially for our children.

The safety of our students in the online world is a concern that we at DBS take very seriously. The internet, while a valuable educational tool, can expose children to various risks, including inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. As such, fostering a safe online environment is crucial to ensure that our students can explore, learn, and grow without being exposed to these dangers.

Safer Internet Week serves as a timely reminder for us all – teachers, parents, and guardians – to reinforce the importance of internet safety. It is an opportunity to educate our students about:

  • responsible online behaviour
  • how to recognise and respond to potential threats
  • how to treat others online
  • protecting personal information. 

This initiative is not just about imposing restrictions but empowering our students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the online world safely and confidently.

To support parents in this mission, we will be running workshops on Thursday 9th February, next week, designed to inform parents and to initiate meaningful conversations about online safety. For the students, we have invited ChildLine Thailand to DBS to speak with them on Online Safety. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home, discussing the importance of internet safety with your children and establishing clear guidelines for online behaviour and usage.

The digital world offers our children incredible opportunities for learning and growth, but it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they can navigate it safely. By working together – schools, parents, and guardians – we can create a supportive and protective environment that allows our students to take full advantage of the positive aspects of the internet while minimising its risks.

Thank you for reading and have a safe and restful weekend,

Warm regards,


Simon Fowler

Deputy Headmaster