Online Safety App launches in Bradford

Safer Schools - a free mobile app that offers vital safeguarding information, advice and guidance for teachers, parents, and pupils is being launched in schools across Bradford District.

The app provides resources, training and support on topics such as image sharing, mental health, media literacy, gaming and sexual exploitation online.

The award-winning Safer Schools offering created by Ineqe Safeguarding Group and insurer Zurich Municipal, aims to address these issues by providing school communities with up-to-date safeguarding information where they need it, when they need it.

The app is available to safeguarding professionals, school staff, parents/carers and pupils in Bradford, to inform,  build resilience and empower them to stay safer in a digital world. This comes at a time of unprecedented risk from abuse and the exploitation of children online. The launch of Safer Schools marks a collaborative and continued commitment to safeguarding children and young people in Bradford District.

Cllr Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s executive member for education, employment and skills, said: “The safety of children and young people across Bradford District is of paramount importance to us all.

“As children and young people spend increasing amounts of time online for their education, social lives and leisure time, it is essential that they are protected from online harm.

“The Safer Schools app is a valuable tool to help children and young people, their parents and carers understand the risks and dangers online and how best to stay safe in the virtual world.

“I would encourage all children, young people, schools, parents and carers to get the app and empower themselves around online safety.”

Colin Stitt, Head of Service and Safer Schools for Ineqe Safeguarding Group said:  “Educating young people how to stay safe online can feel daunting, but we should never take their safety in a digital world for granted. Being ‘tech savvy’ can create an illusion of being ‘tech safe’. The Safer Schools App gives communities access to, contemporary, credible and relevant information and practical advice right at their fingertips. If you are safeguarding professional, a teacher or a parent/carer in Bradford District I encourage you to download and use our app today. Consider it as your 24/7 conversation toolkit to engage the children and young people in your care."

Rod Penman Head of Public Services, Zurich Municipal said: “Zurich Municipal are absolutely committed to working with our Local Authority customers and where we can, help make school communities safer. In these unprecedented times, we are delighted to be able to support the Safeguarding Partnership with the rollout of our Safer Schools App, resources and training across Bradford District.”

HOW PARENTS AND CARERS CAN MINIMISE THE RISK TO CHILDREN ONLINE:

Take advantage of having all your family in one place and do three relatively simple things:

1.      MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER

2.      MAKE THE DEVICES YOUR CHILDREN USE SAFER

3.      TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

1.      Make your home safer: ensure you are using the best possible settings provided by your internet service provider. You can access these by searching for them by name and adding the phrase ‘safety settings’ e.g. BT safety settings.

2.      Make sure all the devices you use have the most appropriate safety settings. 

3.      Talk: talking is the most important tool in a parent or carer’s child protection tool kit. 

·         Ensure your child knows they can always talk to you. Let them know we all make mistakes and that whatever happens, you will always be there for them. In fact, reinforce that if they feel they can't speak to anyone else, they can always talk to Childline (they can do this online).

·         Before talking to them about any concerns you have about social media, apps or live streaming in general, do your homework. Research the issue yourself so you have at least a basic knowledge.

·         Don't start by asking ‘have you tried this’ but rather ‘have you heard about this’ and allow them to show off their knowledge. Use this engagement to have a conversation about staying safe and work together to apply safety settings. This is also a good opportunity to agree on boundaries e.g. no devices in bedrooms.

PARENTS AND CARERS SHOULD REPORT ANY CONCERNS OF GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE LOCAL POLICE OR CEOP