Issue 11

24 Jul 24

Welcome to our eleventh 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

Tombstoning

“The activity of jumping into the sea from a cliff or other high point”

Currently Portsmouth City Council tell us this is most common from the Camber in Old Portsmouth, the piers at Southsea and the jetty in Ferry Road. Children tell me it is all about the adrenaline rush and of course young people think they are invincible!

Drinking excessively of course also leads to silly decision making and risk taking!

In the UK between 2005 and 2015 83 serious injuries and 20 deaths occurred as a result of tombstoning.

In all likelihood, they are going to do it regardless of what adults say so please have conversations about water depth, submerged objects being dangerous and the shock of cold water.

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.

As a recap from a previous bulletin – these days, its 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

Important contacts details for the Summer!
  • If you need to contact the school over the Summer for safeguarding reasons, you can ring the admin team on 02392364536 (during office hours). In an emergency, they will then make contact with the safeguarding team. Please remember though that staff are on their summer holidays.
  • 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 hol-idays) the number is: 03005 551373.
  • If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the Police on 999.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR CHILD TO STRENGTHEN THEIR MENTAL HEALTH?

Know where they are going and who they are with (as far as they will let you!)

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!

Changes in behaviour - Keep your eye out – you might spot both extremes – eg 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.

USEFUL RESOURCE:

For Mental Health Support:

  • Kooth – online resource for 11- 18-year-olds for anonymous counselling, peer sup-port 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 enforce-ment 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

IN THE MEDIA:

In June there was an article in the Portsmouth News about children tombstoning, drinking excessively and antisocial behaviour – it might be worth a look and discussion at home:

Youngsters risk "serious injury" or "death" by tombstoning from piers (portsmouth.co.uk)

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.