Safeguarding Newsletter for
Parents and Carers
Safeguarding Newsletter for
Parents and Carers
Welcome to our new parents.
This is a monthly newsletter on the topic of safeguarding. Each month, I collate information that I feel may be relevant to our parents and carers to help keep our students safe. Past editions of the newsletter can also be viewed on the site, keeping everything in one place for easy reference.
There are a number of free courses that are available to parents, carers and students which can be found in the workshop and courses section of the newsletter. This is regularly updated and are offered through a number of different organisations that the school work with.
Those that are new to the school, make sure that you head to the Safeguarding at The Cottesloe School section to have an understanding of who we are.
Finally, I would encourage you to watch the video directly below, if you are concerned by the content, I would advise you to come to our online safety evening in November. It will be delivered by Elise West our DDSL. Our safer school officers from TVP will also be present to help discuss any worries that you may have.
More information will be sent home in the near future - keep an eye on your inbox and on our socials.
If there is anything that you would like to see in the newsletter, or if you have any concerns that you wish to discuss, please do get in touch.
I look forward to meeting some of you in November.
Best Wishes
Chloe Hankin
Many of us see our online lives and offline lives as different.
But for children growing up with technology and the internet, there isn’t a difference – online life and offline life is just life.
Technology can move at an extraordinarily fast pac e. So it can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online, who they might be speaking to or discussing the potential risks and issues.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing Information
📱⚠️ Parent & Carer Alert: The “Salt & Ice Challenge”
A dangerous online trend is resurfacing where children put salt on their skin and press ice on top.
👉 This causes serious cold burns (like frostbite).
👉 Injuries can need hospital treatment and even skin grafts.
👉 Young people may not realise the damage until it’s too late.
✅ First Aid: Cool with lukewarm running water for 10+ minutes, cover with clean cling film, and seek
medical help.
❌ Do NOT use ice, creams, or fluffy dressings.
❌ Don’t let a trend leave permanent scars.
Young People: The “Salt & Ice Challenge” can leave scars for life. ❄️ It’s not worth it for likes.
Protect your skin, protect your future. ♥️ #StaySafe
Survey Reports and Findings
#WakeUpWednesday
Results day can be a whirlwind of emotions – from excitement and relief to anxiety and disappointment. For many young people, it’s more than just a moment of opening an envelope – it can feel like a defining point in their lives. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide is here to help parents and educators prepare for the highs, lows, and everything in between, with practical, compassionate strategies to keep wellbeing at the centre.
This week’s guide shares advice for supporting young people before, during, and after results day, whether the outcome matches expectations or takes them in a new direction
More and more young people are using VPNs to hide what they’re doing online. While these tools can boost privacy in the right context, they can also create risks if used without guidance . Our #WakeUpWednesday guide explains what every parent and educator needs to know – from why young people turn to VPNs to how they might affect safety monitoring.
With practical tips and clear explanations, this week’s guide shines a light on the potential dangers of unreliable providers, hidden malware , and children bypassing safeguards. It also offers supportive strategies to start conversations, set boundaries, and ensure VPNs are used responsibly. Read more in this essential guide
The end of summer can bring a rollercoaster of feelings for children – and for adults too! Whether children are starting school for the first time or just moving into a new class, a little support can make all the difference
This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide shares ten top tips to help children feel calmer and more prepared for going back to school. From practical routines to emotional support, it’s a must-read for easing those first-day nerves!
Group chats are an increasingly common way for children to stay connected with their friends, often forming the backbone of their social lives online. While these digital spaces can be fun and inclusive, they can also become sources of stress, confusion or even harm . From being deliberately left out of a chat to witnessing or being targeted by unkind comments, the emotional effects of group dynamics online can mirror – and sometimes magnify – those experienced in the real world.
This week’s WakeUpWednesday guide focuses on the potential pitfalls children might encounter in group chats, such as peer pressure, inappropriate content and privacy concerns . With practical suggestions for setting healthy boundaries, managing notifications and encouraging safe sharing habits, this free guide is a useful tool for parents and educators who want to empower children to navigate online chats with kindness, confidence and caution
With over 60% of children and young people regularly feeling overwhelmed, it's never been more important to support them in managing stress as they head back to school. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide highlights 10 top tips – from spotting early signs to encouraging healthy sleep patterns – that can make a meaningful difference
Designed for parents and educators alike, the guide outlines how small, everyday actions can help young people feel more in control. It’s a valuable resource to keep stress in check and nurture emotional resilience
Is the truth really out there? Not when it comes to conspiracy theories, now firmly recognised as safeguarding risks posing potential harm to children in the latest update to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ - unfortunately, young people may struggle to tell fact from fiction, especially online This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explains how conspiracies can affect children’s mental health, critical thinking, and even make them vulnerable to radicalisation.
With tips on safe conversations, spotting red flags, and promoting reliable sources, our guide is a must-read for any parent or educator keen to support young minds in thinking clearly and confidently about the world around them .
Phones and tablets have become comfort blankets for many children Whether it’s to self-soothe, seek approval or escape boredom, digital devices are taking up a bigger emotional role in young lives. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide looks at how tech attachment develops – and how to spot when it’s becoming a problem .
With expert advice from digital wellbeing specialist Philippa Wraithmell , the guide shares practical ways to build healthier screen habits at home or school . From sleep disruption to struggles with self-esteem, it’s a helpful resource for supporting children to use tech more mindfully and reconnect with the world beyond the screen.
Ever found yourself baffled by terms like ‘rizz’ or ‘skibidi’? You’re not alone! Online slang evolves at lightning speed – and while some expressions are light-hearted fun, others could signal bullying, exclusion and emotional distress.
This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide unpacks the most common slang terms and explores the risks they can sometimes conceal. It’s designed to help parents and educators start meaningful conversations and better support young people in their digital spaces
With Snapchat’s ever-evolving features, it’s essential for parents and educators to stay informed about new and emerging safeguarding risks From AI chatbots to paid content options, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide takes a closer look at the platform’s most pressing dangers – plus the latest updates to be aware of
Whether it’s sextortion , overspending on Snapchat+ or the effects of screen addiction , our guide provides up-to-date advice to help keep young users safe. It’s essential reading for any parent or educator who wants to understand Snapchat’s key risks – and support a safer, more positive experience for the children in their care
Violence among young people is a growing concern – but we’re not powerless to act. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide unpacks the causes and signs of youth violence, including when and where it’s most likely to happen. It also offers compassionate, practical advice for parents, carers and educators.
From peer pressure to online influences, there are many reasons why young people may engage in or fall victim to violence. This week’s guide shares expert insight from the Ben Kinsella Trust to help parents and educators spot the risks, start sensitive conversations, and help keep children safe.