e-Safety and Social Media 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As a school, we are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, both in school and beyond. We are writing to you to highlight the growing risks associated with social media use and to clarify the shared responsibilities between school and home. 

There has recently been an increase in the use of AI apps such as Grok, where students have been editing and creating deepfakes of staff and repurposing them on other social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (formally known as twitter) and other social media platforms. Though we are unable to identify those involved, we are working closely with the police to avoid situations like this from happening in the future. 

The Risks of Social Media 

Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are widely used by young people. While they can offer opportunities for creativity and connection, they also present significant risks, including: 

• Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content 

• Online bullying, harassment, and peer pressure 

• Contact from unknown or unsafe individuals 

• The sharing of images or information that may be permanent and damaging 

• Negative impacts on mental health, sleep, and self-esteem 

Many of these platforms have age restrictions (typically 13+), yet we are aware that some students may be accessing them at a younger age. 

Safeguarding in School 

In line with UK safeguarding guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, our school: 

• Educates students about online safety through the curriculum and assemblies 

• Monitors and responds to safeguarding concerns that affect students in school 

• Works with external agencies where concerns meet safeguarding thresholds 

However, it is important to be clear that incidents that occur outside of school hours, on personal devices, and on social media platforms are primarily the responsibility of parents and carers. While we will always listen and support where concerns affect a student’s wellbeing in school, we cannot investigate or manage all online activity that happens at home. 

The Role of Parents and Carers 

We strongly encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s online life. Practical steps include: 

• Knowing which apps and platforms your child is using 

• Checking privacy settings and enabling parental controls 

• Discussing appropriate online behaviour and digital footprints 

• Setting clear boundaries around screen time and device use 

• Encouraging your child to report concerns to you immediately 

• Check your child’s mobile phone/electronic devices every week to maintain safety online 

If an incident occurs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, or similar platforms, it is suggested that parents: 

• Report the issue directly to the social media platform 

• Preserve evidence (screenshots, messages, usernames) 

• Contact 111 where there is a risk of harm, exploitation, or criminal behaviour 

Shared Responsibility 

Safeguarding works best when schools and families work together. While the school will continue to educate and support students and investigate concern as they occur and are reported to us. Parents are advised to be engaged in and responsible for their child’s online activity, particularly when issues arise outside of school. 

Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep our students safe. If you would like further guidance on online safety or parental controls, please contact the school or visit recognised online safety resources. 

Yours sincerely, 

Natasha Jones 

Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead