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Weekly Safeguarding Message

Summer is a time for enjoyment and family connection, but it also presents new environments, experiences, and sometimes unfamiliar risks for children and young people.

Online safety - With more time at home and fewer routines, many children spend longer on phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and social media over the summer.

Risks:

  • Inappropriate content (violence, adult material, extremism)
  • Online grooming and child exploitation
  • Cyberbullying or peer pressure
  • Oversharing of personal information
  • Screen addiction or disrupted sleep

 

What Parents Can Do:

  • Check privacy settings regularly on all apps and devices.
  • Use parental controls and safe search settings.
  • Create family agreements about screen time and routines.
  • Talk regularly – ask open-ended questions about online use.

 

Resources:


https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
https://www.internetmatters.org
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

 

 

Exploitation: Online & Offline - Children can be targeted for grooming, criminal activity, or manipulation both in person and through apps, games, or social media.

Look out for:

  • Sudden behaviour or appearance changes
  • New online contacts, gifts, or secrecy
  • Going missing or avoiding usual routines

 

Advice:

  • Talk openly and regularly about their friends, both online and offline
  • Know what apps and games they use, and who they interact with
  • Encourage them to speak up if something feels

 

Resources:

 

 

Personal safety - Older children often seek more independence during the holidays, such as visiting parks, meeting friends, or travelling by public transport.

Top Tips:

  • Plan routes in advance and share location.
  • Ensure children carry phones and emergency contacts.
  • Teach 'stranger safety' rules.
  • Avoid canals, railways, or derelict areas.

 

Useful Apps: what3words, Hollie Guard, Google Family Link

 


Mental health and emotional well-being - Some children may struggle with mental health over the summer, particularly if they miss the routine and support of school.

Signs:

  • Withdrawal, low mood, or irritability
  • Sleep problems or appetite changes
  • Unexplained aches
  • Disinterest in activities

 

What Helps:

  • Maintain routines
  • Encourage communication
  • Provide support and reassurance

 

Support Services:


- Young Minds: 0808 802 5544 | https://www.youngminds.org.uk
- Kooth: https://www.kooth.com
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258

 

Seasonal safety: Fire, Water & Sun - Summer brings fun, but also risks. Here’s how to help children stay safe:

  • Fire Safety: Keep BBQs and fire pits away from flammable items. Never leave flames or devices unattended. Test smoke alarms and store matches safely.
  • Water Safety: Always supervise children near water. Avoid unknown or unsupervised areas. Teach them the RNLI’s “Float to Live” technique.
  • Sun Safety: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen regularly, stay in the shade during peak hours, wear hats and light clothing, and keep hydrated.

Useful Links:

 


Safeguarding contacts for the holiday period

If you're worried about any child or young person during the holidays you can contact the NSPCC helpline for support and advice for free - call us on 0808 800 5000 or contact NSPCC online. Children can contact Childline any time to get support themselves

 

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