25 March 2025
Dear Parent/Carer,
Social media is a fact of life for young people now, and for many it is the main way to conduct their social life outside school. Social media can be a great way to keep in touch, share ideas and have fun. However, it can also pose significant risks to young people’s wellbeing.
We actively discourage children from being allowed access to apps and games that are not age appropriate. The image shows the national recommendations for some of the most common social media apps which we strongly urge you to adhere to, for your child’s own safety.
If your child is not at the correct age to access the apps, we suggest that you put other safeguards in place, such as frequent monitoring of your child’s devices, with particular focus on photos, contacts and social media groups, so that you are fully aware of your child’s online activity and what interactions they are having with others. Additionally, it is important to take the time to educate your child about the importance of being kind online and not sharing/posting anything that is harmful either to them or to others. The school curriculum offers opportunities to all students to learn about the risks and safe use of social media and electronic devices, but the primary responsibility for this rests with parents.
Many of these social media apps are linked with exposure to harmful content. Please ensure that you support your child in setting appropriate privacy settings so that they do not give away personal information that could place them at risk.
One specific concern which I would like to share with you is the existence of year group wide “chats” on forums such as WhatsApp and Snapchat. Sadly, these are a national issue and can become hotbeds for unkind, hurtful behaviour due to a lack of maturity and understanding of the impact that such actions can have on others. Please check your child’s device and discourage them from being part of such activity.
Some widely used apps are identified as high risk for children and young people due to the potential exposure to harmful content and the ease with which strangers can make direct contact with your child.
There is a wide range of information available to you as parents and carers, regarding online safety. We would like to recommend the following as great sources of information to both you and your child/children.
- Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
- Parents and Carers – UK Safer Internet Centre
- Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support – Internet Matters
- Parents and carers | CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk)
Lastly, please encourage your child to have some time away from their devices every day. Whilst there are some benefits to being online, the negative impact of the excessive use of electronic devices on emotional well-being, sleep patterns and mood is considerable. We advise an agreed shut off time in the evening and the removal of all devices over night as good parenting practice.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs G Benain
Business Studies & Computer Science Teacher
Assistant DSL
