Free safeguarding app launches in Hackney to help parents keep children safe online
Since schools closed in March 2020, there have been numerous warnings from government, the police and leading charities about the online risks that children can face. Our local safeguarding partnership is already experiencing an increased number of reports relating to online child abuse.
In response to this threat, a new app, which offers vital safeguarding information and advice is being launched by Hackney Council. The Hackney Safer Schools App provides support on topics including online bullying, mental health, sexting, media literacy, gaming and sexual exploitation online. It complements information already provided by schools to children and parents.
The app is being released by the Council to further help parents and carers educate, empower and protect their children in the online world. A version is also being made available for teachers, school staff and other safeguarding professionals to enhance their existing resources.
With children spending more time online, the Hackney Safer Schools App is an essential tool for everyone to learn more about avoiding online dangers and the actions needed to help make children safer.
It has been well documented that young people are spending more time online after schools shut in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore it is important now more than ever for parents and carers to understand the risks and dangers their children face online. By launching the Hackney Safer Schools App, they will have the information they need, when they need it in their pocket.
In Hackney we are focused on ensuring the safety of our young people. This includes our commitment to making sure our young people are protected from online risks. In line with the work we are doing to ensure children safeguarding measures are in place during the lockdown, our Hackney Safer Schools App provides a practical, innovative and easy to use solution to a very real issue. It complements the excellent work schools do in educating their pupils about safety.
Zurich Municipal are absolutely committed to working with our Local Authority customers and where we can, to help make people, children in particular, safer. In these unprecedented times we are delighted to be able to support Hackney Local Authority with the rollout of our Hackney Safer Schools App across the Borough.
To download the app from the App Store or Google Play, search 'Safer Schools' and follow the login instructions at: http://www.chscb.org.uk/hackney-safer-schools-app/.
For more information contact, the City & Hackney Safeguarding Partnership Team: chscp@hackney.gov.uk