Unusually we're sending two newsletters this week - back to normal next time (sorry the last one had the wrong video, which gave a sneak preview of this 😆).
You may have heard last week that over a 5-day period, theIWF found 900 cases of children as young as 7 coerced into making the most severe sexual abuse videos and images. What can schools do?
Watch the video summary or read on
The IWF is the only non-law enforcement body allowed to pro-actively search for this material, to block and remove it from the internet and pass details onto the police to protect victims. That's why LGfL is a proud IWF member, supporter and subscriber.
These latest findings all involved young children being coerced into generating abuse material from their homes...often while their parents were unaware in the house. See the age split below that shows it is a massive issue for primary and secondary-age children.
The Online Safety Billis currently passing through Parliament. When it finally comes into force, platforms will have a new 'duty of care' towards users, a raft of new protections including hopefully a 'know your user' principle and rigorous age verification for any platform likely to be accessed by children (not the same as officially for children)?
But what about schools and families? They can't stop it - we need industry and government action - but here are a few things you may wish to consider:
1) Teach the message that you never get changed or undressed on camera!
Our Undressedsong, animation and lesson are ideal for teaching this in EYFS and KS1, so it has sunk in before they need it. You can share the link with parents to watch from home too.
2) Review your curriculum, policies & approach to online safeguarding
Are they fit for purpose? Do they reflect the reality of pupils' online lives? Does your messaging help? The courses below may help (as well as using our online safety audit and online safety principles guidance page).
3) Work with parents - use ParentSafe
Parents, like staff, might not realise that this does not just happen to 'other' families or neglected children. You can help them understand this. Lots on our parentsafe.lgfl.net site can help (share the link with them - why not suggest
4) Use parental control settings on devices
One of the many useful things onParentSafethat is worth highlighting is the section on parental controls. You don't have to be an expert - just encourage them to use controls and point them here (NB - although not fallible, it is a brilliant start - use the Family Agreement too).
We would love to hear more about your ideas for how you cover this difficult area in the curriculum and beyond in your communities. Hit reply to let us know.
Meanwhile, the next newsletters will cover victim-blaming and neglect. Feel free to send in your questions in advance!
*** Don't forget there's lots happening at LGfL for other areas of the school beyond safeguarding ***
