Damian Hinds has pledged to help schools protect staff from cyberbullying and abuse.
The education secretary told leaders at the NAHT headteachers’ union conference today that their staff should not be subjected to abuse and vitriol for doing their jobs.
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Speaking about the dangers of social media, he said: “While attention is mainly focused on protecting young people from possible online danger, they are by no means the only victims. The internet is not selective and I know that teachers and leaders can be vulnerable too.
“We will be updating our guidance for heads and school staff accordingly on how to protect themselves from cyberbullying and abuse and what to do if it does take place.
“Teachers and leaders should not be subjected to online abuse simply for doing their jobs and I’m 100 per cent behind making sure the entire school workforce can go about their business free from fear or intimidation.”
Mr Hinds said that the Department for Education was also looking to ensure young people learn about safe and acceptable behaviour online.
He said changes to relationships and sex education, as well as to the health curriculum, mean children will get an awareness of how “online actions can affect others, particularly how to protect themselves from possibly harmful content.”
“This backs up what is already taught in the computing curriculum at all key stages, and covers e-safety and the different and escalating risks that can arise,” he added.
Mr Hinds also outlined the government’s plans for a new system of accountability and oversight for tech companies through the Online Harms White Paper.
Earlier this year, Mr Hinds revealed he was concerned as a parent about the effects of social media on his three children.
In February, he also announced an increase in support for projects in schools through which children would learn about the impact of social media on their mental health.
