In an increasingly digital world, creating a safe environment for students is essential. The rise of connected classrooms and widespread access to devices brings countless educational benefits - but also risks that schools must manage. This is where two key concepts come into play: filtering and monitoring.
While often mentioned together, filtering and monitoring represent different safeguarding approaches with complementary goals. Here's a breakdown to help you understand how to apply both effectively in your school.
What is Filtering?
Think of filtering as a "digital gatekeeper." Its main function is to prevent access to inappropriate online content. This includes websites featuring violent or harmful material, content unsuitable for children, illegal activities, or anything unrelated to education.
Filtering technology scans web addresses and content in real time, applying pre-set rules to determine whether access should be granted. Key features of filtering include:
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Instant prevention: Blocks access before students can view harmful content.
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Customisation: Schools can tailor category rules based on their specific needs.
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Legal compliance: Supports compliance with child protection and online safety regulations.
Filtering is fast, effective, and a critical first step in reducing students’ exposure to potentially harmful material online.
What is Monitoring?
Monitoring goes a step further. Rather than blocking access, its purpose is to observe and record how users interact with devices and digital platforms. This can include tracking search terms, messages, or online behaviour.
Through monitoring, schools can identify warning signs such as:
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Cyberbullying indicators: Inappropriate language or threats on digital platforms.
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Mental health concerns: Searches related to self-harm, anxiety, or isolation.
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Bypass attempts: Students trying to circumvent filtering systems.
Monitoring allows schools to step in proactively, offering support when behaviour suggests a student may be at risk.
Filtering vs. Monitoring – Which One Should You Use?
It's not about choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together as part of a comprehensive safeguarding strategy. Filtering prevents access to harmful content from the outset, while monitoring enables early detection and intervention in more complex scenarios, such as emotional or behavioural issues.
At Qoria, we believe digital wellbeing is about more than just technology. That’s why we offer solutions that combine the power of filtering with the intelligence of monitoring, giving schools the tools they need to keep students safe in an ever-changing digital world.
Student safety isn’t optional - it’s a shared responsibility. By uniting filtering (a prevention strategy) with monitoring (an early detection and intervention strategy), schools can build safer learning environments focused on student wellbeing. If you want to take your well wellbeing provision to the next level, we're here to help.
