Safeguarding

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following the festive period, many children may have been gifted their first internet connected device. Whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet, or a gaming console, it’s important to set boundaries from the start to ensure healthy tech habits and safety. Take time to set new devices with appropriate restrictions. This proactive step lets you establish necessary boundaries, such as screen time limits, content filters, and privacy settings, so that the device is ready for safe, responsible use from day one.

Below is some further guidance on implementing boundaries and this term's 'spotlight on Safeguarding' focus outlines some important considerations for parents and carers when their child is gaming.

As part of the statutory relationships and health education in primary schools, pupils are taught about online safety and harms. This includes being taught:

what positive, healthy and respectful online relationships look like
the effects of their online actions on others
how to recognise and display respectful behaviour online

This complements the computing curriculum, which covers the principles of online safety and includes:

how to use technology safely, responsibly, respectfully and securely
where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies

As always, we aim to work in partnership with our parents and carers to keep our pupils safe, online and in the real world.

Mrs Campbell

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Why implement boundaries from the start?

Allowing children unrestricted access to the internet can expose them to various risks that many parents may not initially be aware of. Here’s why setting boundaries when your child first receives a device is important:

Exposure to inappropriate content: The internet contains content that may not be suitable for children, from graphic images to violent videos and adult websites.
Cyberbullying: Online platforms can sometimes become spaces for cyberbullying. Children with unrestricted access might be more vulnerable to encountering or participating in harmful behaviour.
Privacy and online predators: Children may not fully understand the importance of keeping personal information private, which can lead them to overshare details such as their name, location, or school. This information can be used by online predators, who often frequent online spaces where young people are active.
Screen addiction and mental health: Too much screen time, especially on social media or video platforms, can lead to issues like screen addiction, reduced attention span, and mental health struggles.
Impact on sleep: Unrestricted access often means children use devices late into the night, which can interfere with sleep and, in turn, affect their focus and performance in school. Creating limits on when and how long devices can be used helps ensure that tech use doesn’t interfere with academics or health.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFEGUARDING

Gaming: Important considerations for parents

Addiction and time management: Many games are designed to be incredibly engaging, encouraging players to continue playing to achieve new levels or collect rewards. Without proper boundaries, this can lead to excessive screen time, interfering with school responsibilities, chores, and other essential daily tasks.
Impact on mental health: Excessive gaming has been linked to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression, particularly when it becomes a primary coping mechanism for real-world challenges. Over time, this can affect self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Social isolation: While many games offer online interactions, too much gaming can sometimes replace face-to-face friendships and family time. Children may choose gaming over in-person socialising, leading to feelings of loneliness.
Exposure to inappropriate content: Numerous games feature violence, strong language, or mature themes. Even titles marketed for younger audiences can expose children to content that may not be suitable. Multiplayer games might also subject kids to negative behaviours from others, such as cyberbullying or inappropriate remarks.
Sleep disruption and health issues: Gaming late into the night can disrupt sleep patterns, resulting in fatigue, poor focus, and irritability. Prolonged periods of sitting can also impact physical health, leading to issues like eye strain, headaches, and a lack of exercise

Dear Parents,

This term the safety squad have started their Safety Ambassador at School (SA@S) training. They been busy looking around the school and getting feedback from other pupils on what they feel helps keep them safe and the areas we can improve. One big concern for our pupils is they they do not always feel safe walking into school as there are sometimes cars outside the gates. Thank you to all parents who find a safe space to park along the road and walk their children in, we will be looking at ways we can communicate this further with parents.

A reminder that I am here if you need to talk about any worries effecting your children or you as a family. There are many ways I can help from Mental Health, Safeguarding, Welfare, Health and many more. If I cannot help personally I will always seek to point you in the right direction for support to ensure your children's needs are met.

Enjoy the break, we know the holidays are not easy for everyone so please reach out if you need support (I will leave some key phone number below).

Mrs Tina Foster

Childline 08001111 www.childline.org.uk

Samaritans 116123

Mind 03001233393

NSPCC 0808 800 5000

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