Safeguarding Newsletter for

Parents and Carers

March 2025

Teddy is Retiring

Teddy joined the school in December 2019 as an addition to the support offered in TEAM Hub. Sadly the time has come for Teddy to retire. He has supported so many students and staff during his time here and he will be missed by many. I would like to thank Mrs West for allowing Teddy to join our wellbeing family.

Enjoy your retirement Teddy!

Safeguarding Information

NEW COURSES/WORKSHOPS ADDED - Click here

What is wearable technology and is it safe for children?In Tech and Kids: What is wearable technology? from Internet Matters, see how wearables can support or impact your child's online safety and wellbeing.

Early years (under 5) online safety advicePre-school (0-5) online safety tips and advice | Internet Matters. Help pre-schoolers get the best out of the internet and understand staying safe online.

ASMR - Chapter 1 — Think RR

Intelligence Notification: Violent online communities threaten children | EuropolEuropol issues an Intelligence Notification calling attention to the rise of online cult communities dedicated to extremely violent child abuse

Watching online safety adviceThis guide shows you how to set up controls, choose trusted platforms, and stay involved in what children are watching online for safety.

Family Pairing | TikTok Help Center

Timid new online safety laws won’t prevent more tragedies like the death of my daughter Molly | Ian RussellOfcom’s cautious approach leaves vulnerable young people exposed to online threats such as suicide and self-harm

Enforcing the Online Safety Act: Platforms must start tackling illegal material from todayFrom today, online platforms must start putting in place measures to protect people in the UK from criminal activity, while Ofcom has launched its latest enforcement programme to assess industry compliance.

newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/new-ways-we-are-supporting-parents-and-helping-teens-build-balanced-digital-habits

Media Smart - TikTok Teens, Social Media and YouHelping parents and guardians better understand their young person’s online world and support them through conversation and participation.

Home - ShoreA safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. Shore has anonymous advice and support to help you or someone you know manage worrying thoughts and learn more about living safely both online and offline. All our services are anonymous, which means you don’t have to say who you are.

Manipulative marketing in gamesDo you and your child know how to spot persuasive digital marketing tactics in apps and games? Check out this learning module to learn how to support and protect your family.

Exam Self-Care | Mental Health Advice For StudentsIt's important to look after your mental health while revising for exams, but how can you do this? Our Activist, Rose, shares her favourite ways.

Are your male students caught up in the 'manosphere'?Online misogyny is a growing problem, further highlighted by recent TV drama Adolescence. Safeguarding lead Thomas Michael explores three key terms school staff should understand

Surge in use of ‘game-changing’ Report Remove serviceChild protection analysts have seen a significant rise in reports from children accessing the world-leading Report Remove service run by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the NSPCC’s Childline service.

Take It DownThis service is one step you can take to help remove online nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit photos and videos taken before you were 18.

What is misogyny?What is misogyny and where does it start online? Online safety organisation Internet Matters provides guidance on challenging hate against girls online.

What is the manosphere and why is it a concern?Jessica Aiston from the MANTRaP research project at Lancaster University discusses the manosphere and its impact on young people.

Advice on talking to your child about Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion and ways you can support them and access help if they need it.

Recent media coverage, including reports of professional athletes using snus and nicotine products, combined with social media trends, has contributed to increased online sales and use among young people. Snus, a tobacco product in small sachets, and nicotine pouches, which resemble snus but lack tobacco, are both placed under the lip to deliver nicotine into the bloodstream.

Key Differences and Legal Status:

• Snus: Contains tobacco and nicotine; illegal for sale in the UK due to carcinogenic properties.

• Nicotine Pouches: Tobacco-free but contain nicotine; currently unregulated, leading to potential high and dangerous nicotine levels. No age restrictions on purchasing these from shops in the UK.

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NHS Regulated medicinal products (patches, gum, lozenges) available for ages 12+; distinct from nicotine pouches.

Health Risks: Symptoms that can develop after using snus/nicotine pouches include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Stomach ache and loss of appetite

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Headache

• Mouth watering

• Quick, heavy breathing

• Dizziness or tremors

• Confusion and anxiety

• Nicotine poisoning, which is especially dangerous to young people.

Key points

• Smoking and vaping are illegal for under-18s.

• Snus is illegal.

• While nicotine pouches are legal for purchase, they, along with all nicotine products including vapes and cigarettes are dangerous to a person's health, and are prohibited on school grounds and sanctions apply.

Resources and Support: If you are concerned about your own child’s involvement in purchasing, using, giving away or selling snus or nicotine pouches, there is support and further information available:

As many of you may be aware, the Netflix series Adolescence has sparked significant conversations among families, parents, teens and young adults. While the show addresses important themes related to growing up, it also touches on sensitive topics such as online misogyny, extremism, self-radicalisation, cyberbullying and the impact of social media on young people.

As a school, we believe it is crucial to provide you with resources and guidance to help navigate these discussions with your children. Below, we’ve included some parent guides and tips to address online misogyny, extremism and promote healthy online behaviour.

Online safety issues - Advice to support children | Internet Matters - Includes information for parents on cyberbullying, online extremism and numerous other pertinent topics, along with tips on how to approach talking about it with your children.
Online abuse | NSPCC - A guide to online abuse from the NSPCC with tips for prevention and reporting.
Bullying, abuse, safety and the law | Childline - Guides for young people on all kinds of bullying and abuse.
Teen slang emojis - What do emojis actually mean
Manosphere glossary - What are boys and men saying?

If you require any further sources of help or advice, or you have a specific enquiry, please contact the school.

Survey Reports and Findings

Children's Wellbeing in a Digital World - Index Report 2025This report is the fourth in an annual series evaluating and tracking impacts of technology on children’s digital wellbeing.

National Analysis of Police-Recorded Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Crimes Report 2023 | Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice ProgrammeVKPP encompasses a wide range of workstreams across vulnerability.

#WakeUpWednesday

Workshops for Parents/Carers and Young People NEW COURSES ADDED

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