Dear Colleague,
Instagram Checklist - Southwest Grid for Learning
Instagram is one of the most used platforms among young people and adults alike. Over the past decade, the platform has become ubiquitous and is an excellent source of entertainment and information for people globally. The global reach of the platform though, can be a cause for concern for those who have children or work with under-18s. The programme is principally a digestion source focused on images and videos, with a private chat function which for many is the sole reason for its use. In today's image focused society, it can be an outlet for how people wish to be perceived physically or in regards to their personality. As a result it actively encourages people to post about their personal life, in a way that would be detrimental should everyone have access to it. Privacy is optional on Instagram, and there is a wide spectrum of privacy options. To understand these options better the Southwest Grid for Learning has published resources aimed at achieving this goal. Please click on the link below to find out more.
https://swgfl.org.uk/resources/checklists/instagram/
Child Sexual Abuse Research Report - Internet Watch Foundation
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has recently published their findings from an investigation, undertaken alongside Anglia Ruskin University's Policing Institute. Funded by the Home Office the consequent report on this issue, sought to aid parents and children in understanding their behaviour in relation to self-generated images. One of the report's key findings was that young people often don't know how to react, to requests for indecent images from online actors. The report is highly relevant to the always-online environment in which young people find themselves today. To find the report please follow the link below:
https://www.iwf.org.uk/about-us/why-we-exist/our-research/talk-trust-empower/
Staff Question of the Week
What do the following acronyms stand for? CSE, CCE, HBA, PVE and MASH
• Child Sexual Exploitation • Child Criminal Exploitation • Honour-based Abuse • Preventing Violent Extremism and • Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub
Sharing Information to Safeguard Children - Information Commissioner's Office
Sharing information between educational and governmental organisations is vital to protecting children and young people. Without data sharing many vulnerabilities would go undetected, and the dots in a particular case would not be joined together. However, just as in the pre-internet age, the most dangerous point from an institutional perspective in safeguarding is the transfer of confidential information. With the advent of near universal digitisation the danger is no longer the losing of a folder, but the theft of an important document by unscrupulous individuals. The difference in the online world, is that once lost the data is often difficult to keep secure. To find out more about the steps you should be taking towards secure data sharing, please follow the link below.
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/data-sharing/a-10-step-guide-to-sharing-information-to-safeguard-children/sharing-information-to-safeguard-children-marketing-materials
Did Someone Forward this Safeguarding Briefing to You?
If you would like to receive your own copy of the Safeguarding Briefing, simply go to: www.safeguardingbriefing.co.uk
Undressed - London Grid for Learning
The danger posed to young people by their presence on social media, in regards to unacceptable requests is sadly an affair that often happens within friend groups or within relationships. Of course the issue of strangers making the same requests is always present, but these are principally teenage concerns. Underneath this lies a more sinister age group that often finds itself targeted almost exclusively by unknown adults online. That sector is the youngest of primary pupils. At primary ages, children are very easily taken advantage of as they are highly impressionable and unaware of the dangers they may be facing. The Undressed Song by the London Grid for Learning, is designed to educate these youngest of pupils on what should and shouldn't be done online. It does this through an understandable and age-appropriate medium - song. To find out more please follow the link below:
https://undressed.lgfl.net/
No Safeguarding Briefing next week
Although I know some schools are on holiday this week, for us half-term is next week, so the Safeguarding Briefing will be back on Monday 26th February 2024.
Forthcoming Courses
Advanced Safeguarding for DSLs
This is a four-session course for DSLs over a full-day. The course is offered live and as a recorded replay. When the course is live, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute with observations, questions or answers. As a recording, the interactions from other people are included and feedback notes that this makes it feel like you are not on your own.
"I just wanted to say that I thought today's training was absolutely fantastic. By a mile it was the most engaging training I have done."
Next live online courses are:
Wednesday 14th February 2024 Book here
Wednesday, 13th March 2024 Book here
The on-demand course is always available and is updated after each live session Book Online
LIVE In-Person Advanced Safeguarding for DSLs with Andrew Hall Friday 8th March 2024 (LONDON)
You can book a place on this live in-person course by going to: https://cpd.safeguardinginschools.co.uk/events/safeguarding
Other available online courses include:
- Whole School Safeguarding Course
- Safeguarding and Governance
- Safeguarding Refresher
- An Introduction to Cybersecurity
For further details, go to: www.safeguardinginschools.co.uk/availablecourses
Until next time, keep safe,
Andrew Hall Specialist Safeguarding Consultant, Director, Success In Schools Ltd.
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