Priestlands School

In today's digital age, emojis have become a popular way for young people to communicate. While many emojis are harmless and fun, some can have hidden meanings that parents might not be aware of and some can be used to express inappropriate or risky behaviour. Sometimes, emojis provide a discreet way for young people to express themselves without fear of being easily understood by adults. It's important to stay informed about the meanings behind these symbols. For a detailed explanation of various emojis and their potential meanings, please refer to the attached document: Emojis explained. Understanding these symbols and having open conversations with your children about their online interactions is crucial for their safety and well-being.

By staying informed and maintaining open lines of communication, you can help your child navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Dear Parent / Guardian

‘Vinted’ is an online marketplace designed for users aged 18 and over.

Teenagers using the platform may encounter several risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, interactions with scammers, and potential financial loss due to inadequate money management skills. Additionally, the absence of strict age verification means that underage users might access the platform without proper safeguards.

Parents are advised to supervise their children's online activities and educate them about safe internet practices to mitigate these dangers.

Please visit Internet Matters for excellent advice on how to stay safe online.

Hayley Yates

Designated Safeguarding Lead & Assistant Headteacher

With Christmas just around the corner, the holiday period is a great time to take stock of the devices they have (plus any new Christmas devices) and ensure they are set up correctly with any parental features you feel are appropriate for your child.
One frustrating issue is that the available features and how you set devices up differ, so to help parents Internet Matters have really good, non-techie guides which you can follow as part of their ABC Checklist. ABC stands for:

A - Activate parental controls

B - Balance screen time.

C - Check and chat.

You can find a full explanation, set up guides and excellent advice  HERE.