By the Safeguarding Team
As the year draws to a close and we move into the New Year holiday period, the Safeguarding Team would like to gently remind our community of the importance of keeping children safe, both online and offline, during this extended break.
Earlier in the term, we marked Anti-Bullying Week, reinforcing our zero-tolerance approach to bullying and our continued commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every child feels protected and valued.
With Christmas celebrations largely behind us, the remaining holiday period often brings more unstructured time. Children may spend longer hours on devices, social platforms, and with friends and family. A little extra awareness during this time can make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing.
Staying Safe Online During the Holidays
- Know their digital space: Encourage children to use privacy settings and interact only with people they know and trust.
- Pause before posting: Remind them to think carefully about what they share, including messages, photos, and videos.
- Watch for signs of online bullying: Withdrawal, distress after screen use, or secrecy around devices may signal a concern.
- Keep communication open: Let children know they can speak to a trusted adult if anything online makes them uncomfortable.
- Balance screen time: Support healthy routines that include rest, family time, and offline activities.
Preventing Harm and Abuse
- Stay alert to changes in behavior, mood, or routine.
- Encourage children to set clear boundaries with peers, both online and in person.
- Monitor age-appropriate apps, games, and content.
- Ensure appropriate supervision during outings, gatherings, and sleepovers.
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, seek support early.
The end-of-year and New Year holidays are a time for reflection, rest, and connection. Through continued partnership between home and school, and a shared commitment to safeguarding, we can help ensure that every child enjoys a safe, positive, and memorable holiday period.
