Parental Safeguarding Spotlight

It seems that everyone is currently talking about Adolescence, the Netflix crime drama which explores the dark side of teenage life, including themes of bullying, incel subculture, and mental health. As parents and carers of older teenagers, it’s crucial to understand the potential impact of such content on your children and to take proactive steps to safeguard them, especially in the digital age.

Adolescence centres around a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The series delves into the psychological effects of social media bullying and the influence of harmful online communities.

Safeguarding Advice

Watch for Problematic Social Media Use:

• It interferes with their daily routines and commitments, such as college, work, friendships, and extracurricular activities
• They often choose social media over in-person social interactions
• It prevents them from getting at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night
• It prevents them from engaging in regular physical activity
• They keep using social media even when they express a desire to stop
• They experience strong cravings to check social media
• They lie or use deceptive behaviour to spend time online

Monitoring Online Activity:

• While respecting their growing independence, keep an eye on child’s social media usage; be aware of the platforms they use and the content they are exposed to
• Encourage them to use privacy settings to limit exposure to inappropriate content and online communities

Open Communication:

• Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences; remind them they can come to you with any concerns about bullying or online interactions
• Helping them understand the consequences of harmful behaviour and the importance of empathy and kindness

Educating About Online Safety:

• Remind them about the dangers of sharing personal information online and the importance of maintaining privacy
• Discuss the risks of interacting with strangers and the potential for cyberbullying and grooming

Promoting Healthy Digital Habits:

• Encourage balanced screen time and also encourage them to engage in offline activities that promote physical and mental well-being
• Encourage them to put their phones in a different room when they are studying and avoid using them at bedtime

Statistics on Safeguarding and Smartphones

• By the age of 16, nearly all teenagers own a mobile phone
• 93% of 16-18-year-olds use social media and messaging apps; these platforms can be used for cyberbullying and harmful interactions
• One in five teenagers have experienced online bullying
• Excessive screen time can displace activities that positively impact well-being, such as socialising, sleep, and exercise

The article below provides further advice:

Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids

If you are ever concerned about your child’s safety, please contact the safeguarding team via safeguarding@kedst.ac.uk or telephone 01384 398100 and ask to speak to one of us. There is always a member of the team onsite.