Useful Links and Resources
Emotional Wellbeing of Children and their Families
Considering recent events, there are numerous resources available from a variety of sources including the NSPCC and the BBC Bitesize in relation to the emotional wellbeing of children and their families.
The Childline website (https://www.childline.org.uk/) has lots of valuable information, but an especially useful tool is their Calm Zone. The activities aim to help children feel better when they're feeling anxious, scared or sad. Although children could be encouraged to visit the website themselves, these are good techniques for adults to use with children. Ideas include breathing exercises, a 'let it go' box and creating a 'sense drawer'.
CALM ZONE - https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/
Childline ‘Report Remove’ Tool
Childline has launched ‘Report Remove’, a service that allows children and young people under 18 to report and get removed from the internet a nude image or video of themselves that might have been shared online. The webpage includes links to services and information offering emotional and safeguarding support.
New and Updated Social Media Checklists
The South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) have updated some of their popular social media checklists (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat), and included two new leaflets for Roblox and TikTok. The guides are free to download and use and can be ordered in hard copy through the SWGfL website at a cost.
https://swgfl.org.uk/resources/checklists/
Kent Together Helpline
A new 24-hour helpline has been set up to support vulnerable people in Kent who need urgent help, supplies or medication. The helpline – called Kent Together – provides a single, convenient point of contact for anyone in the county who is in urgent need of help during the Coronavirus outbreak. It is a collaboration between KCC, central Government, District, Borough and local councils, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS, emergency services and other partners to ensure help is at hand for vulnerable people.
If you or someone you know are vulnerable and have an urgent need that cannot be met through existing support networks, you can contact the Kent Together helpline at: www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on 03000 41 92 92.
Find a foodbank tool using a postcode
Coronavirus Scams Prevention
The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team has produced some helpful materials to help promote scams awareness around coronavirus (COVID-19) scams at this difficult time. The team has released a press release around criminals exploiting fears about coronavirus to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends.
- Press release on the NTS website - https://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/beware-of-covid19-scams/
- Press release on Our Friends Against Scams website - https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/article/505/beware_of_covid_19_scams
If you become aware of any scams relating to Covid-19 please contact Kent Police or Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk Tel :03001232040
Other Useful Online Safety Links and Resources
- BBC: TikTok 'family safety mode' gives parents some app control
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51561050
- Childnet:
o Explore online safety with under 5s with our new learning to read book
https://www.childnet.com/blog/explore-online-safety-with-under-5s-with-our-new-learning-to-read-book
o Supporting young people with SEND online – New hot topic
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot-topics/supporting-young-people-with-send-online/
- Parent Zone and GambleAware: Gaming or Gambling
https://parentzone.org.uk/gaming-or-gambling
- Internet Matters and Instagram: Addressing the Pressure to be Perfect toolkit – for parents
- Keeping Children Safe in Education
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2