Network Rail has relaunched its Switched On website ahead of rail safety education becoming a compulsory part of England's P
SHE national curriculum from September 2026.
The enhanced platform provides free, age-appropriate resources for pupils aged 3-16, designed to reduce railway safety incidents involving young people. Content is tailored across three key educational stages, from foundational safety knowledge for early years children through to critical thinking materials for secondary students aged 12-16.
New resources tackle contemporary challenges, including dangerous social media trends and peer pressure that encourage risky behaviour near railways. Secondary materials feature content developed with TikTok science creator Big Manny, demonstrating the science behind railway dangers.
Priti Patel, Chief Health, Safety & Wellbeing Officer at Network Rail, said: "We have always believed that it is essential to educate children about rail safety, which is why we, alongside our rail industry partners, have an extensive schools' engagement programme in place. I'm delighted to know that when rail safety becomes a mandatory part of the English national curriculum next year, we are one step closer to our desire to ensure that every child is taught how to keep themselves safe when in a rail setting."
The Switched On website offers interactive games, videos, and classroom activities freely accessible to teachers and parents.