For over five years, Milton Abbey School has proudly run a thriving Digital Leaders programme, offering students unique opportunities to develop leadership skills while promoting online safety within the school community. This initiative, based on a framework developed by the charity ChildNet, empowers young people to educate their peers about the digital world, a space that is as exciting as it is challenging. We highly recommend schools to use pupil voice to shape the future of digital use at schools, because they are the biggest critics but in many ways most aware of the impact on their lives.
Why Peer-Led Online Safety Matters
The programme’s foundation lies in the belief that peer-led initiatives are highly effective. Students say they often relate better to advice from their peers, who share similar experiences and understand the realities of growing up in a digital age. By equipping students with knowledge and confidence, Milton Abbey ensures that online safety becomes a shared responsibility across the school.
Digital Leaders complete detailed modules on critical topics such as:
- Online fraud
- Cyberbullying
- Cybercrime
- Managing screen time
Once certified, these students become ambassadors for safe and responsible technology use, actively supporting the school community with online safety issues and leading on the topics of focus.
Making an Impact Across the School
The Digital Leaders’ work goes far beyond the classroom. They hold regular termly meetings to discuss emerging concerns and brainstorm creative ways to address them. Their initiatives include:
- Designing social media content and posters with a distinctive Milton Abbey style, often featuring the students themselves.
- Contributing to school policy, offering feedback on online safety issues.
- Creating a student-friendly version of the Acceptable Use Policy, displayed prominently in classrooms and boarding houses.
- Leading assemblies to share ideas and raise awareness about online safety.
- One of their most impactful contributions has been the production of annual educational films aligned with Safer Internet Day themes, which have become a highlight of the school calendar.
National Recognition
Milton Abbey’s Digital Leaders have not only made a difference locally—they’ve shone on the national stage. The team has participated in Childnet’s National Film Competition, achieving remarkable success:
- Winner in 2023
- Third place in 2025
At this year’s awards ceremony, Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, praised Milton Abbey’s entries for their quality and relevance, reinforcing the programme’s reputation for excellence.
Current Projects: Tackling AI Challenges
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and Milton Abbey’s Digital Leaders are staying ahead of the curve. The have chosen to focus their latest project on the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through a new series of posters and information sessions, they are addressing thought-provoking questions such as:
- Will AI take our future jobs?
- The rise of AI-generated fake news – can you tell?
- Could AI reduce our critical thinking?
These resources and debates aim to spark discussion among students and encourage responsible engagement with emerging technologies.
Student Voice
Digital Leader, Henry B, Fourth Form reflects on the programme’s impact:
“The Digital Leaders is a group of students who have regular meetings to discuss all things technological. We talk about our concerns and how we can prevent them. In my opinion the Digital leaders highlights the importance of digital issues in school and amongst young people. The Digital Leaders bring the school together and gives us a space to share positive and negative experiences, and offer advice.”
Henry’s words capture the essence of the programme: student-led, proactive, and creative.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to shape our lives, Milton Abbey School remains committed to preparing its students for the digital future. The Digital Leaders programme is more than an extracurricular activity, it’s a movement that fosters leadership, responsibility, and innovation. By empowering students to take charge of online safety, Milton Abbey is ensuring that its community thrives in a connected world.
Written by Head of Digital Leaders, Mr Ratcliffe, who featured in The Independent Schools Magazine.
