Dear parents and carers

Key message

• Some parents are neglectful in their management of phone and messaging use off-site,  and this is impacting their children at the school.
• Harmful and negative messaging/content sharing is occurring whilst in the care of parents – not at school.
• The school cannot monitor/manage or control your child’s actions when they are in your care.
• Parents must take control and if that means removing access to the phone, you should do so (see Mr Seargent’s 5 step guidance below).

Very recently I sent important messages to parents regarding social media/messaging platforms and the challenges and pressures it places on children.  An additional 2 assemblies were dedicated to the matters raised, alongside our ongoing guidance.

Sadly, despite this, some parents have not engaged with the advice.  As a result, pupils and adults continue to approach staff for support regarding messages sent to and from pupils (and sometimes adults) when in the care of their parents.

I feel I cannot be clearer in the message

If you provide your child with a phone or similar device off the school site, then the responsibility and consequences of those interactions lie with the parents, not the school.  You allow access and as such are accountable for use and content (not only morally but legally in some cases).

Whilst we will educate and support children, there is only so much we can do; parents ultimately have the responsibility to ensure their child’s safety.

I have attached a link for guidance to support parents provided by the NSPCC and the school website has a dedicated section to support parents.

 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/#

(See website section Parents - Additional support)

Mr Seargent’s: 5 step (honest and to the point ) guidance

For parents worried about messages/content sharing on phones or similar:

If you are genuinely concerned, take control:

1. Do not allow your child to have access to apps that are age-restricted (they are restricted for good reason).
2. Block/remove contacts other than those you approve.
3. Set limited times for use of the phone and /or access to a device and only when you are present.
4. Do not allow your child to go to bed with their phone.
5. Report offensive content to the police.

If you are still concerned 

If all else fails and you remain concerned, remove the device. 

I am often surprised at how many parents are concerned to the point of upset and distress, but at the same time are not willing to remove the cause of that distress.  

Your child’s well-being is more important than their access to a phone.  You are the adult, and they are the child; you are in control, and you have the responsibility.

Your consideration is appreciated.