Island primary and secondary schools are preparing to make use of a new app designed to keep students safe online and offline.

The Safer Schools App was launched at the start of the academic year at St Ninian’s Lower School in Bemahague, which provides safeguarding information for not only students, but for school leaders, teachers, parents and carers.

Regular updates and resources will be given on topics such as bullying, social media, gaming, sexting and mental health.

Those who attended the launch, which took place after a ’successful’ pilot, included the Isle of Man Safeguarding Board, the Isle of Man Constabulary and Business Isle of Man.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen, said: ’In this increasingly digital world, it is important to safeguard young people. The Safer Schools app has been designed by Ineqe Safeguarding Group in collaboration with the department, the Isle of Man Safeguarding Board and the schools, to provide contemporary credible and relevant information about staying safe on and offline.’

Rob Sellors, head teacher at Cronk y Berry Primary School, said: ’The school has enjoyed taking part in the pilot of the Safer Schools app as we continue to help parents and children stay safe online.

’Our pupil-led eSquad have shown the rest of the school how to use the app, which they think is really useful to find out more about the apps and games they play as well as how to get help if they need it.

’The response from parents and staff has been fantastic as many families are eager to understand more about how to minimise the risks of being online.’

Ramsey Grammar School said it will be fully launching the app on Wednesday next week (November 20) after personalising it for the school.

Following the initial launch, the school gave a presentation to its leadership team and staff before sharing it with those who attend the monthly parental communication mornings.

’So far the experience has been excellent. The app is intuitive and easy to navigate with use of written, audio and visual stimuli to provide information, guidance and reinforcement,’ a school spokesman said.

’We find the app to be current, relevant and dynamic with highly responsive support from the Ineqe team.

’There is also a clear commitment to adapt the resources, based on feedback from community partners such as the police, to the Isle of Man context.’

Henry Bloom Noble Primary School, in Douglas, said it will launch the app with pupils in January.

’This term we are training staff and governors,’ head teacher Rachel Ashley said.