k-ID Talks! Episode 7: Ken Corish on empowering kids and schools for a safer digital world

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Why schools struggle with digital safety 

Ken started as a teacher and school leader, witnessing how technology transformed education. But as digital tools advanced, so did the risks, and schools found themselves unprepared.

“They do an incredible job protecting kids physically,” he explains. “But when it comes to digital spaces, many schools don’t apply the same safeguarding principles—not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know how.”

To bridge this gap, his team created 360 Degree Safe, a step-by-step framework that helps schools track and improve their online safety policies. What started as a simple tool is now used by 16,000+ schools, guiding them through everything from policy development to real-world implementation.

Teaching kids to think, not just obey

Early online safety programs relied on shock tactics, showing kids worst-case scenarios to scare them into compliance. But Ken quickly saw that this approach didn’t work.

“You don’t teach people to drive by only showing them car crashes,” he says. Instead, his team developed Project Evolve, an adaptive digital literacy program that meets kids where they are, helping them develop critical thinking skills rather than just memorizing rules.

The program has collected over 4 million responses, providing a data-driven understanding of what children actually know about online risks, and what they don’t. That data is now shaping national policy on media literacy and digital safety.

How parents can support their kids online

Parents are often told that parental controls are the key to keeping children safe online. While these tools are useful, Ken emphasizes that they aren’t a complete solution.

“Parental controls are like putting bars on a child’s window to stop them sneaking out,” he explains. “They might limit access, but they don’t teach kids how to navigate risks.”

Instead, he advocates for a more dynamic approach, one that includes ongoing conversations, clear expectations, and guidance on responsible digital behavior. South West Grid for Learning works on equipping parents with accessible, practical resources to help them engage in their children’s online lives.

“It’s not about having all the answers,” Ken says. “Parents don’t need to be tech experts—they just need to be present, ask questions, and create an environment where their kids feel comfortable discussing their online experiences.”

The next battle: Misinformation and AI

The future of online safety isn’t just about blocking harmful content but more importantly about teaching kids (and adults) how to think critically in an AI-driven world.

Misinformation spreads faster than ever. AI-generated content makes it harder to tell truth from fiction. And major platforms are reducing fact-checking efforts.

“We need to build digital resilience across society,” Ken says. “That means teaching kids how to question sources, verify facts, and engage online without being misled.”

To tackle this, South West Grid for Learning is exploring AI-driven tools that personalize safety education, helping teachers, parents, and policymakers make informed decisions in real time.

Final thoughts: Building a digital seatbelt for kids

Ken sees online safety as a cultural shift, not just a technical fix. Just as seatbelts took decades to become the norm, digital safety requires both regulation and education—helping kids build skills to navigate online risks independently.

His three-word vision for the future? Empowered. Safer. Resilient.

And his message to parents? “Get involved.” Because just like teaching a child to drive, guiding them through the digital world takes time, trust, and the right tools, not just restrictions.

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