Sheffield student opened pornography website after clicking on pop-up in online class

The pupil, who is in Year 7 at Newfield School, was accessing a pre-recorded lesson using Microsoft Teams via an Android phone on Thursday (7 January) when the incident happened.

Chris French, CEO of Mercia Learning Trust, who run the school, said: “This incident was not related to the content or format of the online lesson. This is completely outside the control of the school.

"We always take safeguarding issues exceedingly seriously. As a result, the school completed an immediate and on-going investigation.”

The police have been informed, as well safeguarding teams at Sheffield City Council and parents, Mr French added.

He said: “Clearly, students are spending even more time online at present. However, the issue is relevant at all times when children access the internet.

"The key message to schools, parents and students is do not click on pop-up adverts or links that appear on your device, and be fully aware of all e-safety advice.”

Mr French added: “I suspect this will be a challenge at the moment right across the country.”

Further guidance on staying safe online will be issued by the school on Monday, Mr French said.

It comes after Year 11 students at Firth Park Academy were shown pornography during an online lesson after an impostor pretending to be the school’s principal gained access to the class.

The school has since tightened its IT security.