Nantwich Education Partnership

Nantwich Education Partnership
Working together for all the children in Nantwich

To All Nantwich Education Partnership Schools
11 February 2015:

Dear Parents
Re: Computers, Tablets, X Box Games and Social Media

All the schools in Nantwich work closely together with the Cheshire East Safeguarding Education Team to keep our children safe. We have received advice on the use of tablets, computers, Xboxes and other digital equipment.

Lots of the children have had new technology/devices for birthdays and Christmas and seem to be enjoying playing a range of new games on them. There are some amazing apps, games and
social media opportunities that our children are benefiting from. However, the local Safeguarding Team and school staff have serious concerns about some games and activities.

Several children have reported playing, or watching adults play games which are inappropriate for their age and they have described the levels of violence and sexual content they have witnessed:
Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Dogs of War and other similar games, are all inappropriate for
children and they should not have access to them.

Nor should they have Facebook accounts or interact on sites or media or messaging sites like WhatsApp that are not designed for their age.

Children should only play games or join social media sites that are rated suitable for their age.

We need to inform you all of the actions we are advised to take and why:

• If your child is allowed to have inappropriate access to any game or associated product that is designated 18+ we will are advised to contact the Police and Children's Social Care as it is neglectful.
• Access to these games OR to some social media sites such as those above increases early sexualised behaviours (sometimes harmful) in children AND leaves them vulnerable to grooming for sexual exploitation or extreme violence.

We know that parents expect us to keep their children safe so we look forward to your support with this issue. Schools will all be working with the children to help them understand how to keep themselves safe. If you would like to talk to anyone about your child's online or digital safety please contact your school; we are here to help.

Together we will keep this new digital world one of wonder rather than danger.

Yours Sincerely
Nantwich Partnership Headteachers

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