Online safety
The Leeds safeguarding team have been inundated this week with queries regarding the recent avatar-related Challenge which has hit the headlines. Whilst we have not formally brought this to our children’s attention and there has been conflicting information about the authenticity of the avatar, you may find it useful to read the attached reminders about online safety advice. This advice has been circulated by Leeds Safeguarding team:
We would suggest that parents are encouraged to:
Ensure they know what their children can access online
Ensure children understand the importance of not giving personal information to anyone they do not know
Tell their children no-one has the right to make them do anything they do not want to do
Use parental controls to keep children safe
Among the most common signs to watch out for include children who:
Become very secretive, especially about what they are doing online
Are spending a lot of time on the internet and social media
Are switching screens on their device when approached
Are withdrawn or angry after using the internet or sending text messages
Have lots of new phone numbers or email addresses on their devices
Please do speak with any member of staff if you have any concerns about your child’s online safety. As you are aware, Rachel Colbourn is the school’s DSL (Designated safeguarding lead) and Julie Cotton is the DDSL (Deputy Designated safeguarding lead).