Issue 13

Welcome to our thirteenth ALNS safeguarding bulletin where we are hoping to share with you the latest knowledge, tips and support services for various issues in order that we can work together to keep your children safe. Each bulletin will focus on a different area of safeguarding.

 

Key Focus - Summer safeguarding

E Scooters

Over this academic year, we have had a number of students involved in serious accidents whilst using E Scooters. Under current legislation, the riding of privately owned E Scooters is illegal on roads, pavements and in all other public places.

Students often don’t realise that E scooters fall into the legal definition of a motor vehicle and so the laws applying to motor vehicles apply to them. 

It is also worth noting that they therefore are also covered by the same laws that govern drinking and driving.  In addition, the police tell us they are linked to some anti-social behaviours they are seeing in Ocean Retail Park.

We do not allow E Scooters to be used as ‘to and from’ school transport, but as the summer holidays approach, please be aware of the law and even more importantly the dangers that come with committing this particular crime.

Ketamine Awareness Week

Over the past few months, Portsmouth has seen a noticeable increase in young people using Ketamine, both recreationally and problematically. In response, DASS (the Drug and Alcohol Support Service for young people) are organising a Ketamine Awareness Week from 22nd to 26th September.

You may have seen recent media coverage highlighting the physical impact Ketamine can have. It’s important that young people receive accurate, evidence-based information so they can make informed choices.

If your child or one you know might benefit from support, contact us at school – this is not a time for judgement but a time for support and education.

A reminder: Online Safety

Unicef tells us that 50% of 9-16 year olds in the UK go online in their bedrooms or other private spaces.  

Summer holidays can lead to an increase in online safety concerns – more free time and less chance for schools to support any friendship disputes or unkind behaviour.  

These days, it’s all about using open social media spaces – getting likes and followers for your content – the more the merrier.  An instant response is expected from people, leading to pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out).  Young people need to consider what they are posting, who they are interacting with and how – are they being kind? 

Don’t worry too much if you child spends time online, gaming provides distraction, pleasure and a way to socialize and relax and is a fantastic way to having some respite from pressures (so says Dr. Richard Graham, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist).

If you have any concerns you want to discuss at school please contact your child’s tutor, their Head of House or the Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs Holness.

 

how can you support your child

Know where they are going and who they are with (as far as they will let you!). Ask them to share locations (The life 365 App is your friend here!).

Check their phones – the most common platforms for sharing material between young people are WhatsApp and Snapchat.  A quick chat about sharing images is good at this time of year – less clothing might mean a temptation sometimes to share images they don’t want in the public domain!

“Report Remove” – is a tool from the Childline campaign who will help children remove sexual images and videos that should not be on the internet.  It’s confidential and there to help – let your child know about it (just in case!)

Changes in behaviour  - Keep your eye out – you might spot both extremes – e.g. withdrawn or overtly “misbehaving”, emotional changes too - anything out of the ordinary is worth exploring.  Most children will not disclose a problem and it is up to us as adults to notice something is not right 

Watch for signs of substance use – Unfortunately Portsmouth is seeing a marked increase in the use of the drug Ketamine in young people and this might increase with more socialising and time on their hands.  Ketamine is used as a white powder, slightly crystal looking and sniffed up the nose, having been placed on a key – look for signs such as a single key, small plastic bags and white powder round the nose. Children report using it to relax and feel numb so some are “self medicating” with it if they feel anxious whilst others use it solely for the high. Effects only last about an hour so you might only spot paraphernalia or residue.

Users talk about taking a “bump” of it – ie a small amount at a time, they also talk about going into a k-hole as the anaesthetic effects take effect -  so be alert to this kind of language.

 

important contact details for the summer

  • If you need to contact the school over the Summer for safeguarding reasons, you can ring the admin team on 02392 364536 (during office hours).  In an emergency, they will then make contact with the safeguarding team.   Our safeguarding email address if you need to make direct contact is [email protected] 
  • If you are concerned that a child or young person has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, please contact Portsmouth Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).  You can contact the MASH during office hours on either  02392 688793 or 0845 671 0271 or email:  [email protected]  If it is during out of Office hours (5pm -8am weekdays, weekends and bank holidays) the number is: 03005 551373. 
  • If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the Police on 999. 

useful resources:

  • Kooth – online resource for 11-18-year olds for anonymous counselling, peer  support via chatrooms and online advice Kooth.com
  • Shout – text SHOUT to 85258 – 24/7 text support available with trained volunteers. Giveusashout.org

For Online Safety:

  • CEOP.police.uk – CEOP is a law enforcement agency, there to keep children and young people safe from grooming and online sexual abuse. You are able to make a report or seek advice
  • Thinkuknow.co.uk – useful resources for parents and for children