Staying safe

There are many things you can do to keep yourself safe. The first is always, always talk to someone if you have any concerns or worries. At the academy all our staff are friendly and approachable – try talking to them and you will soon find this out!

Staying Safe Online
Keeping yourself safe online is a must. You will learn more about this during lessons, but we’ve also put together some resources for you to find out more.

• ThinkUKnow website for young people
• Childnet Hub for young people aged 11-18
• UK Safer Internet Centre resources for 11-19s
• Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre (CEOP) Has someone acted inappropriately towards you online, or to a child or young person you know? It may be sexual chat, being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable or someone being insistent on meeting up. You can find advice on the CEOP website and can also report any concerns to CEOP using the CEOP Report Button on the right, and at the foot of every page.

Remember, if you need immediate help call 999

Your Digital Footprint
Everything you post online stays around for a long, long, long, long, long, long time. Before you post anything online THINK – Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?

If you post something unkind or cruel then will make someone else feel unsafe. Do not make posts or comments about other people on any social media.

Staying Safe:

On your journey to and from school

• Make sure you know your address and home telephone number by heart, in case you get lost or have to navigate home from somewhere new.
• If you have a mobile phone, fully charge it before leaving the house, and make sure you have all your contact numbers saved.
• Follow the rules on road safety. Always look both ways before crossing the street, and never be on their phone while crossing a road.
• Never accept a lift from someone you don’t know or let a stranger into the house. Never give personal information away – in real life or online.
• If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any time, they call your mum or dad or a trusted adult
• If you ever feel like they’re in immediate danger, they should call the police straight away on 999.

If you are getting the bus then know the times the bus is due and don’t be too early so you are not hanging around the bus stop. On the bus, keep yourself out of danger – remember everything you were taught about keeping yourself safe at primary school. In short, trust your instincts. Avoid getting into arguments with adults you do not know, for example over a spare seat on the bus.

If you are cycling, know your route, wear a helmet and practise the journey! Remember to cycle safely – do not swerve across roads!

If you need help, including with your emotional and mental wellbeing, then these organisations can help you. Never be afraid to seek help if you are feeling down, stressed or things are getting on top of you.

Young Minds

Young Minds offer lots of help and advice for young people, including in relation to mental health. You can access their website:

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/problems-at-school/

Childline – call or chat with advisors

The website can be accessed on

https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

Childnet – secondary

Childnet has lots of advice on bullying, online safety and what they call your ‘digital wellbeing’

You can access Childnet from

https://www.childnet.com/young-people/secondary

Also see the other sections on the student tab about bullying and safe things to do in Lambeth.

Remember too that the academy has a counsellor and we also have our safer schools police officer that you can talk to. It is always best to talk to a trusted adult. We are here for you.