Safeguarding Bulletin

Good afternoon parents and carers,

This week, the school has had a visit from the child centred policing team, and year 9 children have had an assembly all around online safety, social media and mental health, and strategies and tips to support safe online usage. There will be more assemblies next week to support childrens understanding of online safety also.

There are many positive aspects of internet usage, social connection, technological literacy, access to information and resources. However there are also many potential dangers of an online world and different types of connection.

Privacy settings

Protect your information- Never share full name, address, school or phone number publicly or with strangers. Even consider what information your pictures have on them, e.g. school uniform can be identified, if there is a street sign or a house number in the background of a photograph, these can all be analyzed so that your information is not secure.

Snap Maps- Lots of young people turn on their snap maps so that friends can see their location. They may do it temporarily, and whilst their snap maps is active, their location and privacy can be at risk. Please check your settings and consider the dangers of strangers potentially knowing where you are.

Group chats- only join group chats with people that you know in person. Be mindful if you are added to a group chat with lots of people in them, even if added by a friend, this could still be a red flag, as there may be strangers or unknown individuals in the chat. Parents, monitor group chats closely if you allow them. Group chats are often fast paced, and there have been many incidences of content being shared on group chats that are not appropriate for young people and at times even illegal.

Online behaviour- The phrase ‘keyboard warrior’. Many people, both adults and children may type things online that they would not necessarily say in real life. This can cause upset and hurt, can damage mental health of young people, and communication can become toxic. Persistent unkindness, or threats over message can be classed under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. Be nice online!

Indecent images-

It is a criminal act to distribute indecent images, to make a copy, or keep a copy. If children receive anything on their phone, they need to ensure they have trusted adults they can speak to for support. Do not send it onwards. If there has been an instance where a young person has made a mistake and taken a picture, or forwarded something, then we will look to support however possible. The ‘stickers’ function on Whatsapp has been used to create and distribute images- check the stickers also!

Key messages to children:

- Speak with parents and trusted adults around any worries or concern.

- Check your privacy settings, think about who can access your information, think location settings being for parents only, ‘Snap Maps’ is a big one!

- Be kind online!

- Anything you send can be screenshotted, think before you send.

- The digital world is ever changing, and everyone is learning constantly. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. We will always try and help.

- It is perfectly normal, and recommended for parents to check their childs phone regularly.

- Any concerns or support required, there are multiple websites which offer support:

Keeping children safe online | NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children.../online-safety/

Parents and carers | CEOP Education - https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/parents/

Infographics & Posters - nnec - https://nneca.org.uk/resources/?gad_source=1...

Any further questions or concerns, please feel free to email safeguarding@eggbuckland.com