Safeguarding
We all have a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect. Many people do not act because they’re worried about being wrong.
You don’t have to be absolutely certain; if you’re concerned a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, speak to someone.
Following these simple steps and reporting your concerns to the school or the local council could provide the missing piece of information that is needed to keep a child safe.
Child abuse. If you think it, report it.
To report a concern to the school please contact the headteacher on 01206 571519
To report a concern to the NSPCC click here
To report a concern to the police click here
Online Safety
Parental controls and security settings
Parents and carers should be ensuring the settings of the apps and online games that their children use are set to private, with location settings turned off, to restrict the ways in which they could potentially be targeted by perpetrators. Many apps are public facing automatically, and have to be manually set to 'private'. You can use parental controls to help you block or filter the content your child sees when searching online. Parental controls are also available to help you to:
- plan what time of day your child can go online and how long for
- stop them from downloading apps they're too young for
- manage the content different members of the family can see
It's important to bear in mind that children and young people can potentially have access to the internet anywhere, not just at home. There are wifi hotspots, internet cafes, friends house and of course mobile data is available 24/7. So, whilst parental controls are useful, the most important thing you can do is have an open and inquisitive relationships with your child about their online interests.
Find out more about setting up Parental Controls.
Useful websites
Updated in relation to COVID-19, this website provides support for young people to take control of their online life. Topics include help and advice, skills and inspiration on matters such as friendships and bullying, safety and self-esteem.
Childline helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Children can talk with Childline about anything, whether big or small; their trained counsellors can help. See their website or call free on 0800 1111.
Parental guide to Internet Safety
Support parents during Covid-19 and the closure of schools
Advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online. Short videos for parents and carers.
Support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online.
Help and advice for families in a digital world.
London Grid for Learning online safety and safeguarding.
NSPCC guidance on keeping children safe online.
Essex Safeguarding Children Board
The ESCB is a statutory multi agency organisation which brings together agencies who work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Essex. It has produced guidance for parents and carers to help them understand online safety and exploitation generally.
The NSPCC has produced several online safety guides, from setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps.