Mrs Weekes is the Safeguarding Lead across all three schools in Sphere Federation. In her first message, she writes about the digital five-a-day…
During these strange and uncertain times, it’s really important that we’re making sure our children are safe online. Lots of time is being spent on devices and we’re expecting children to be resilient and independent. Unfortunately, that means they might be on devices while you’re working or helping others in the family. To help keep them safe, the online safety message needs to be regular and manageable.
Don’t feel bad about the time your child is currently spending on devices – just make sure they are happy, healthy and safe.
Screen time is not the issue. Aim for screen quality.
Spending time on social media is not the same as doing a Facetime with grandparents, or making a film or story. Make screen time count. Try and plan or review your day together using the Children’s Commissioner’s Digital Five a Day:
- Be mindful.
- Connect.
- Be active.
- Get creative.
- Give to others.
Talking about these all in one go might be too much. Why not spend time discussing just one of these each day over the next few days?
The Digital Five a Day idea is based on the NHS’s evidence-based ‘five steps to better mental wellbeing’ – also worth a read.
Devices are really helping at this time – just make sure they’re being used productively and safely.