Spring 1

📱 Keeping Our Children Safe Online: New Government Resource

We know that navigating the digital world can feel like a full-time job for parents. To help, the government is launching a brand-new Kids Online Safety website on 16 February 2026. The goal isn't to monitor every single click, but to encourage open, regular "check-ins" with your children. The site offers practical tools tailored to your child’s age, including:

• Conversation Starters: Simple ways to ask your child about their digital life (e.g., "Who shared this?" or "Why do you think they posted that?").

• Life-Stage Guides: Specific actions and advice for every age group, from toddlers to teens.

• Safety Tech: Easy-to-follow instructions on setting up parental controls.

• Expert Support: Direct links to trusted charities if you need to speak with a professional.

💡 Top Tip for This Week

You don't need to be a tech expert to keep your child safe. Start a casual conversation today by asking them to show you their favorite game or video - it builds the trust needed for them to come to you if something goes wrong.

Check it out on this website.

Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage 🚀

We are also highlighting Lumi Nova, an award-winning digital therapeutic game designed for children aged 7-12 who may be struggling with mild to moderate fears, worries, or anxiety.

What is it? 

It is an "intergalactic adventure" game that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques - specifically "graded exposure" - to help children face their fears in a fun, non-stigmatising way.

• Child-Led, Parent-Supported: Children play the game on a tablet or phone, while parents provide support for "real-life" challenges.

• Building Resilience: It helps children learn to self-manage their anxiety and build lifelong coping skills.

• Safe & Professional: The app is NHS-approved and provides progress data to health professionals where necessary.

How to Access: Lumi Nova is funded in Devon, if you think this could help your child, please visit: https://luminova.app/devon

🏛️ The "Big Debate": Social Media Bans

There is currently a lot of news regarding a potential government ban on social media for under-16s. You may have seen this in the headlines this month.

What parents should know: While a formal ban is still being debated in Parliament, the government has launched a three-month consultation to hear from families.

Action: Now is a great time to review your own "house rules" for devices. Even if a ban isn't in place yet, setting firm boundaries on which apps are allowed (and for how long) is the best way to stay ahead of the curve.

Building Independence Safely 🚦

As we move to lighter afternoons, if your child is in upper KS2, you may be starting to consider whether your child may be ready to move towards the responsibility of walking home without you.

Key Safety Tips:

• Plan and Practice: Walk the route together multiple times, identifying safe spots to cross and potential hazards.

• Stick to the Route: Instruct children to walk straight home and not take detours.

• Stay Alert: No phones or earphones while walking; they must be aware of their surroundings.

• Road Safety: Use pedestrian crossings or traffic lights. Avoid crossing between parked cars.

• Stranger Awareness: Teach them that if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, they should move away, go to a busy area, and tell a

trusted adult or call 999.

• Emergency Plan: Ensure children know their address and parent/carer phone numbers by heart.

• Visibility: Use bright clothing or reflective gear, especially during winter months.

• Buddy System: Encourage walking with a friend or in a group.