Current Safety Alerts

Here are some current digital safety alerts that have been brought to our attention:

• Whatsapp - this is a well used communication app but is now more frequently being used by children despite the age rating being 16+. Concerns regarding using this app include being added to groups, group calls and unknown chats where your child could be exposed to online bullying, inappropriate messages, voice notes videos and images from both known and unknown people. If your child has this app, we would recommend reviewing the digital safety advice on the following link and considering if it is appropriate for them to continue to use. Is WhatsApp safe for my child? | NSPCC

• SnapChat - we have had several parents and carers contact us to seek advice regarding their children's use of the social media app 'Snapchat'. Snapchat has a 13years + rating and therefore it is advised that Primary school children do not use the app. Please see the link below for some further advice on the app from the NSPCC.

  Is Snapchat safe for my child?

• Sweet Dance - this is an app available on both Apple and Android devices that is stated as being suitable for older children. However adults may not be aware that there is a chat function that can be used to send inappropriate messages and images from unknown other users of the app and these users may not be children. Please check you child's device and chat history if they have this app to ensure their digital safety. There is some advice on the link following which may be of use: How to Ensure Your Children Stay Safe While Playing Online Games | NSPCC

Letter sent to Year 4-6 Parents and Carers:

Children and young people use a wide range of social media platforms to connect, learn and express themselves. While social media can offer creativity, connection and learning, it’s important to understand the risks and how to support children to stay safe online.

We have recently had several reports of groups of children sharing inappropriate images, including ai generated images featuring children, via Whatsapp and Snapchat. These images are not real, but the harm they cause is very real and this has become an evolving area of image abuse that is unacceptable. Your children need to be aware that any making or sharing of images such as these is illegal and could result in police involvement.

In addition to this Whatsapp and Snapchat both have a 13 age rating and therefore should not be used by children under this age. Please ensure that you are monitoring your child's use of devices and apps so that you are protecting them online.

There is also a useful tool called the 'Report Remove' tool that children, young people and adults need to be aware of so that any inappropriate images can be reported, and this helps in their removal from the digital space. Report Remove | Childline

Please be reassured that digital safety has long been a part of our curriculum at Glade Hill with in-class work, assemblies and other individual support provided as needed, but this cannot replace your parental responsibility in this area. Both of our Year 6 classes have had an additional educational session today to support them further.

For further information and guidance, please see the links below and the information on our website both in the Parent section and Class Pages.

What is social media? | NSPCC

Report Harmful Content Button | SWGfL

Report Remove | Childline

Responding to AI misuse and “Undressing” Images on Social Media

Kind regards,

Anna Stapleton

Headteacher