Parent communication
June 2024
Please see the attached event from Sefton Parent Carer Forum, further information about the event is available via the link below: click here.
May 2024
Dear Parent / Guardian / Carer,
I feel that I need to bring to your attention an issue that we are currently
having at school over the use of social media apps outside of school hours.
In recent days, we have been informed of a number of issues where children
are using abusive and/or threatening language on social media towards
each other. Although this is not happening on the school site, it then affects
behaviour, anxiety and subsequently lesson time and the learning of pupils in
school.
We cannot regulate the online access that pupils have outside school, but if
an issue such as cyberbullying or aggressive behaviour is reported to us, we
have a duty of care to inform the parents of the children involved.
In regards to social media sites themselves, there is clear guidance on the
appropriate age ranges for certain online apps and I would like to draw your
attention to these.
Nearly all social media services require users to be at least 13 years of age to
access and use their services. This includes Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat,
Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Musical.ly and Skype.
Whilst there is no age restriction for watching videos on YouTube, users need
to be 13 or older to have their own YouTube account (enabling them to
subscribe to other channels, like videos, post comments, share their own
content and flag inappropriate content).
The online world is a minefield for children and the situation has changed
significantly in the last 10-15 years, as a whole range of unlimited content,
both good and bad, is a few clicks away. Once something has been posted
on social media, it is very hard to get rid of.
I would ask parents therefore to be vigilant and monitor what children are
posting online at this current time. Threatening and abusive content could
result in police involvement if a child is over the age of 10.
What can parents/carers do to help?
Ground Rules
• Discuss as a family how the internet will be used in your house. Consider
what should be kept private online (personal information, photos etc.) and
decide rules for making and meeting online friends. Make sure you know
what your child is doing online much like you would offline.
Online Safety
• Where able to, use Parental Control functions for computers, mobile
phones and games consoles to block unsuitable content or contact
• Remember that parental control tools are not always 100% effective and
sometimes, unsuitable content can get past them, so don’t rely on them
alone to protect your child.
Location
• Think about locating your computer/laptop/games console in a supervised
family area. Always supervise the use of webcams in an application which
allows voice or video chat. Consider your child’s use of other devices that
allow internet access such as Mobile Phones and Games Consoles.
Dialogue
• Always ensure your child knows how to block or report people online who
send nasty or inappropriate messages or content. Encourage your child not
to retaliate or reply.
• Make sure your child knows to tell an adult they trust if they see something
online that makes them feel scared, worried or uncomfortable.
• It’s essential to be realistic - banning the internet or technology will not work
and it often makes a child less likely to report a problem. Education around
safe use is essential.
By working together, we can try to stop issues before they arise.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr Bullock,
Computing Co-ordinator,
Newfield School.
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March 2024
As a school we are always looking for opportunities and ways to educate our pupils on how to keep themselves safe. We have decided to team up with #kNOwKnifeCrime campaign and London Marathon 2024 and we will be fundraising for bleeding control kits and cabinets for outside our schools in Sefton.
(Please see 'Knife Crime Letter' below.)
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Drug alert: Vapes containing synthetic
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For more information, please click here.