supporting your students
A few of us at Head Office have recently completed our DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) training. It gave us plenty to reflect on, and one of the biggest themes was online safety and the important role host families play in this area.
We know you already do so much to create a safe, welcoming home for students. The digital world, is where young people spend a huge part of their lives socially, academically, and emotionally so it’s an important part of safeguarding too.
We thought this would be a good opportunity to share some helpful hints and tips with you all.
why phones matter so much for international students
For our students, phones are more than entertainment:
- They are a lifeline to family and friends back home
- Time differences often mean late-night or early-morning contact
- They use devices for schoolwork, translation, travel, and daily life
- Their phone can be an important safety tool
The goal is not to restrict unnecessarily, it is to help them use technology safely and responsibly.
online safety in the host family home
Just as we put physical safety measures in place at home, it is reasonable to have some digital safety boundaries too.
Helpful practical steps
- Use home broadband filters or parental controls
Most internet providers allow you to block inappropriate or adult content at router level. This protects everyone using your Wi-Fi. - Know what devices are in your home
Students may have phones, tablets, or laptops. You don’t need to check them, but being aware helps you if any issues arise. - Encourage device use in shared spaces
Especially for younger students, using devices in living areas rather than behind closed doors can reduce risk and increase openness. - Keep Wi-Fi secure
Use a password and avoid sharing it beyond household members and the student.
hints and tips
1. Agree house expectations early
It’s helpful to discuss things like:
- Not using phones at the dinner table
- Quiet hours at night
- Balancing screen-time with rest, study, and family life
Framing it as house routine, not punishment, makes it feel fair.
2. Talk about online risks in a normal way
You don’t need a big lecture. Simple reminders help:
- Not sharing personal details or address online
- Being cautious with people they only know online
- Letting you or the school know if anything makes them uncomfortable
3. Watch for signs something isn’t right
Gently notice if a student:
- Becomes very withdrawn or secretive online
- Is visibly upset after being on their phone
- Is online very late every night and exhausted
- Mentions online relationships that seem intense or controlling
You don’t have to investigate just share concerns with us, as you would any safeguarding worry.
4. Remind students about scams and potential risks
- fake ticket sales
- prize or competition scams
- fake profiles and accounts
- requests for money
- requests for personal information
Students should always check with a trusted adult if they are unsure about something online. It is important that they know how to get help, including who they can speak to within the host family, how to contact a Bright World or school staff member, and how to report harmful content or users online.
your approach
Online safety works best when students feel:
- respected
- listened to
- supported, not monitored
You are not expected to police devices, but your home environment, conversations, and boundaries make a huge difference. If you ever have questions or concerns about a student’s online activity, please contact us. It’s always better to share a small worry.
