With the internet now more widespread than ever before, and a greater number of young people being savvy about web use, schools are being asked to monitor and restrict online behaviours in the classroom to make sure they are protecting young people from a number of different dangers online. 

Adult material, cyber bullying and attempts at radicalising young people from extremists are all dangers that schools are being asked to make sure young people are not being subjected to. 

One of the biggest concerns at present, according to education secretary Nicky Morgan, is extremism, with pupils across the UK potentially a target for radicalisation, she said. Ms Morgan added that in some cases, pupils have even been able access information about the Islamic State while in the classroom. 

As a result, the education secretary has said she wants to see schools bringing in greater levels of monitoring of the internet use of children in the classroom, as well as installing strict filters that will not allow them to access any potentially harmful material. 

She said that while it is vitally important that pupils have access to the internet at school to aid their learning, they still need to be protected from the dangers of the internet, including the risk of radicalisation among youngsters. 

Mrs Morgan said: "As a parent, I've seen just what an important role the internet can play in children's education. But it can also bring risks, which is why we must do everything we can to help children stay safe online - at school and at home."

The Department for Education said the reforms, which also help to protect pupils against adult material and cyber bullying, will also teach youngsters about the best ways to behave online and how to stay safe, as well as making sure filters are in place to protect them. 

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said in a statement that while many schools across the UK are already putting measures like these in place, it will be very useful for many to have clarity and guidance on how to best carry out such checks and put safety measures in place. 

"We hope school leaders will be supported in delivering [the plans]: making PSHE [personal, social, health and economic education] compulsory could free up the appropriate time within the school day to address this important issue," said Sally Bates, a head teacher and the NAHT's chair of policy.

She told the BBC schools may have to "rethink" the way they deal with technology, including limiting the use of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets as a way to make sure they know what pupils are doing online while they are in the care of the school.