May 2016
Welcome…
… to the May 2016 Safeguarding Newsletter
News:
Internet Watch Foundation (www.iwf.org.uk/) In it’s annual report (published on 21st April), the
Internet Watch Foundation gives details of the number of images of child sexual abuse which have
been taken down as an impact of them being able to actively search. Following on from this, they
plan to expand their team of 12 expert analysts to 17, offer the Image Hash List to the wider internet
industry and challenge non-Member online companies to take action.
The full report can be found here:
https://www.iwf.org.uk/accountability/annual-reports/2015-annual-report
‘Sexting’ has become part of the flirting ritual for many young people. The problem with accepting
this as the new ‘normal’ is that sexting carries risks. Images which are supposed to remain private
are often shared with a much wider audience, and can be used to bully and control. Sexting can also
be influenced by pornography, introducing inappropriate expectations into young people’s
relationships. Training:
Compass: don’t forget to check that your mandatory safeguarding training is correctly recorded on
Compass. As you will be aware, we all need to undertake this training at least every 5 years as part
of our ongoing learning commitment. This can be done face-to-face, or (with your GSL’s agreement)
via the on-line training on the Scout Association website. The link is:
www.scouts.org.uk/safeguardingawareness which links you to the online page at
www.scouts.org.uk/safeguardingonline
I’m happy to run running locally-based sessions, for which I need a minimum of 10 people to make it
worth-while (not new leaders). If Districts want to arrange local training please let me know.
Resources:
Facebook groups and pages: Many groups and districts already have facebook groups and pages
which they use to communicate with parents and others. There is a handbook about using facebook
as a communication aid which can be found at http://www.esafety-adviser.com/facebook/
Whilst the information is aimed at schools, it will be useful for Scout groups wishing to explore this as
a means of communication.
The Family Online Safety Institute (https://www.fosi.org/) has published some Quick Tips for
Parents – please feel free to pass this info on.

Check the age and content rating information.

For mobile games and apps with an ESRB rating, check for additional notices describing
interactive elements, such as user interaction, digital purchases, if unrestricted Internet access
is provided and/or the sharing of location or personal information.

Use parental controls, which are available for all video game consoles and leading app stores
like Google Play, to help manage which apps and games your children download and play.
And keep your password or PIN a secret!

Teach your children healthy online habits that mirror the ones you expect from them in the real
world.

Discuss with your children how in-game purchases will be handled.

Use the ESRB’s Family Discussion Guide to help structure a conversation with your children
about establishing some ground rules about the video and mobile games they play.

Monitor and/or play games with your children. There’s absolutely no substitute for being an
involved parent.
Date for your diary:
Safer Internet Day 2017 will be on 7 February
That’s it for this month
Sheila Gibbon, Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator, Durham Scout County
Tel: 0191 2577571
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.durhamscouts.org.uk/for-members/safeguarding/