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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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