Shedding Light on Bullying: Recognising the Signs

In today's blog post, we would be looking into Bullying—what it is and how to recognise the signs that a child might be experiencing it. Understanding and identifying these signs is the first step toward taking action and creating a safer environment for our children.

What Really is Bullying?

Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects children and adolescents worldwide. It involves repeated aggressive behaviours, often with an imbalance of power, aimed at causing physical or emotional harm to another person. Bullying can take various forms, such as physical, verbal, social, or cyberbullying.

Photo credit: Verywell

Top 10 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Online Safety

 

Welcome back to Shielded Space, your go-to resource for safeguarding tips and advice. In today's digital age, talking to children about online safety is not just important; it is essential. With the internet becoming an integral part of their lives, it's our duty as parents, carers, teachers, social workers, and professionals working with children to ensure they are well-informed and equipped to navigate the online world safely. In this blog post, we will explore practical strategies to help you initiate conversations about online safety with children, making it age-appropriate and effective.

photo credit: internet matters

1. Start Early: Begin discussing online safety as early as possible. Even young children who do not have their own devices are likely to encounter screens and the internet at a friend's house, school, or family gatherings. By laying the foundation for safe online behaviour early on, you will help them develop good habits.

How to Spot the Signs of Child Abuse: A Crucial Guide for Everyone

 Hello Shielded Space,

Let's discuss Child Abuse. Child Abuse is a concern that affects children worldwide, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. Personally, I find it essential to equip parents, caregivers, teachers, social workers, and all concerned individuals with the knowledge to recognise the signs of child abuse. In this blog post, we will explore why it is important to know these signs, and practical advice for spotting both physical and emotional signs of child abuse.

Image credit: Charlotte County Florida Weekly

Online Grooming 2: Behavioural Signs and Proactive Measures

Hello Shielded Space,

In our previous discussion, we delved into the disturbing realm of online grooming and how it preys on the innocence of children. Today, we are taking the next crucial step, which is learning how to recognise the signs of online grooming and discovering effective ways to shield our children from this threat.

The Shadows of Online Grooming: Recognising the Signs:

Online grooming is a deceptive process in which predators establish relationships with children to manipulate, exploit, and eventually abuse them. Being vigilant about potential signs can make a world of difference.

Here are some signs you should look out for in the chat or online communication:

Online Grooming - What Is It, and How Does It Affect Young People?

Hello Shielded Space,

Did you know?

“68.97% of tweens and 90.73% of teens encountered sexual content online.

Only 7% of parents knew their kids received inappropriate content from adults.

Online predator reports increased by 106% early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

40% of children from grades four to eight experienced online chatting with strangers.” - Source

So, today, we will talk about a topic that continues to threaten the safety and well-being of young children online – Online Grooming. Many of us are familiar with the term 'grooming,' but how does it play out online?

Vulnerable Adults: Who They Are and How to Help Protect Them

 

Hello Shielded Space,

The post today is about vulnerable adults. Safeguarding as a profession aims to protect vulnerable adults from harm. This means that as safeguarding professionals, we have a particular focus on identifying and responding to risks to vulnerable adults. So, let us learn about vulnerable adults.

WHO IS A VULNERABLE ADULT?

5 Safeguarding Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

 

Hello Shielded Space,

Let us talk about common mistakes made in Safeguarding. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. However, even the best-intentioned people can make mistakes. Here are the five most common safeguarding mistakes people make and how to avoid them:

Safeguarding Students' Privacy: The Imperative of Data Protection in Educational Institutions

Hello Shielded Space,

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into educational institutions, the safeguarding of students' data and privacy has become a paramount concern. School Safeguarding Managers need to recognise the critical importance of highlighting credible statistics and their sources to underscore the significance of Data Protection and Privacy Safeguards in schools. In this blog post, we will explore the need to implement robust safeguards to protect our students' sensitive information.

Data Breaches Impact on Educational Institutions

Ensuring Safe and Enjoyable Sleepovers for Children and Teenagers: A Guide for Parents and Guardians

 

Sleepovers can be exciting and memorable experiences for young ones, fostering friendship and independence. However, it is vital for parents and guardians to prioritize safety and implement appropriate safeguards. In this blog post, I will provide 10 practical tips to help parents and guardians ensure safe and enjoyable sleepovers for their children.

1. Communication is Key:

Before allowing your child to attend a sleepover, establish open and honest communication with the hosting parent or guardian. Discuss the details of the event, including the location, activities planned, and any specific rules in place. This dialogue will help you make an informed decision about whether the sleepover is suitable for your child.

Sleepovers for Children and Teenagers: Balancing Fun and Safety

 

I recently had a conversation with a father, and he requested a post on Sleepovers for children, so here it is.

Summer is here, and more children will be visiting friends, loved ones, and hosting or attending sleepovers.  Sleepovers can be a source of joy and cherished memories for young ones, but they also present unique challenges that demand careful consideration. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of sleepovers, potential risks, and essential safeguards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Office Freebie: Workplace Harassment

 

Safeguarding Employees: Identifying and Preventing Workplace Harassment

Hello Shielded Space,

Our topic today is on safeguarding employees at work. Creating a safe and respectful work environment is essential for the well-being and productivity of employees. It is crucial for Safeguarding Officers to identify and prevent workplace harassment to protect staff. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of recognizing and addressing workplace harassment, backed by statistics while providing actionable strategies for prevention.

Child Abuse Infographics - Freebie

 

Hello, dear readers! To better promote awareness and provide valuable resources to enhance the safety and well-being of individuals in our communities, I have some exciting news to share with you all. This news is in an effort to further support our collective safeguarding efforts, so here goes. 

I will be offering a range of free resources and infographics that can be utilized by professionals, parents, educators, and concerned individuals alike. These materials aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create safer environments for everyone. Here is the first one. Feel free to send an email, if you would like the pdf version:

Hope you found this helpful. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below on what other infographics you would like me to create.

Understanding the Basic Types of Child Abuse

Hi there,

It is essential to raise awareness about the various types of child abuse that exist in our society. By understanding these types, we can better identify and address instances of abuse, protect vulnerable children, and work towards creating a safer environment for all. In this blog post, we will delve into the four main types of child abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

Image credit: iStock

Safeguarding 101: Building Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Individuals

 

Introduction:

Welcome to the Shielded Spaces blog! I am Chibuzo, a dedicated Safeguarding Manager, and I am thrilled to kick off our journey together. This blog will serve as a resource centre for all where we can explore the essential aspects of safeguarding, exchange insights, and work towards creating a world where vulnerable individuals are protected and empowered.

 

As this is our first post, I will try to lay down the basics of safeguarding which would lay a strong foundation for our future discussions. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive guide will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the core principles and practices of safeguarding.