Meadow High School Parent Portal - Weekly Bulletin - Issue 39

Dear Families,

We are saying farewell to a number of staff this term. I'm sure you will join me in wishing them all the very best for the next part of their journey:

Miss Dixon in her new HLTA position
Miss Bolanos embarking on her teaching career
Mr Cowley in his new school
Miss Kepinska on her travels and new position in Tanzania
Mrs Mansoor and Mrs Simpson on a happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement.

Online Safety This Summer

We often see a significant increase in online safety incidents for pupils over holiday periods.

Here are some useful tips we hope will support you to keep your child safe online this summer.

To ensure children stay safe online during the summer holidays, parents should establish clear online rules, encourage open communication and utilise available safety tools. This includes setting boundaries for internet usage, discussing appropriate online behaviour and making use of parental controls and reporting mechanisms.

Detailed Advice:

Establish Clear Online Rules:
Create a "digital map" with your child, outlining acceptable websites, apps, and time limits.

Discuss the reasons behind the rules to foster understanding and cooperation.

Consider screen-free zones and times, like bedrooms or mealtimes.
Open Communication:
Talk to your child about their online activities, listen to their experiences, and address any concerns they may have.

Encourage them to talk to you about anything that makes them uncomfortable or worried online.
Utilise Safety Tools:
Familiarise yourself with the privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms.

Explore parental control options offered by your internet provider or device manufacturers.

Teach children how to use reporting mechanisms on social media and other platforms to flag inappropriate content or behaviour.
Be Mindful of Sharing:
Discuss the potential risks of sharing photos and videos online, including the possibility of revealing personal information or location details.

Encourage children to think about who will see their posts and how they might be interpreted.
Promote Healthy Online Habits:
Lead by example by practising responsible online behaviour yourself.

Encourage a balance between online and offline activities, promoting physical activity and other hobbies.

Consider attending online safety sessions offered by your child's school or other organisations.
Know Where to Get Help:
Familiarise yourself with resources like Report Harmful Content or CEOP if you have concerns about online safety or if you suspect your child is being targeted by harmful individuals.