Regretfully, as some parents will be aware, we have recently had to deal with some unpleasant incidents that have stemmed from some KS2 children using social media. Although these incidents have occured at home, school has inevitably become involved as children's mental and emotional health have been affected. This is a very worrying national trend.
As a parent myself, I do understand the pressures that our children can put upon us when they want a social media account. No one wants their child to be isolated as, 'The only person in my class without Whatsapp.' However, very simply, primary aged children should not have social media apps such as SnapChat, Tik Tok, Whatsapp and Instagram, which are all for people aged 13yrs and up. Understandably, young children do not fully understand how to use this form of communication and we are seeing the implications of this at school as children's friendships suffer, upset occurs and learning time is lost.
To quote a Headteacher who wrote on this subject recently, "Do not allow your child social media and discuss this calmly with them, highlighting how they could get into trouble and how social media might affect them - with their self esteem and mental health. Children are not mature enough to understand the ramifications of using social media and could be breaking the law by sending abusive and offensive material that could get them into trouble. Families who have stopped social media have seen an improvement in behaviour and confidence. "
I do feel very strongly that the use of social media in young children is a safeguarding issue and in the interests of protecting them it should not be used.
On a happier note, we have been asked if children are allowed to wear gingham dresses during the Summer Term. Our Active Uniform was introduced to promote physical activity whilst protecting knees and bottoms from cuts and grazes. However, we do understand there's nothing quite so cute as a gingham dress! Therefore, if you wish your child to wear a dress, rather than the active uniform and feel that their physical play will not be affected please feel free to purchase. This is NOT a requirement. The active uniform is our core uniform but we recognise and appreciate that some parents might like a summer dress option. Dresses can be any of the 6 COG colours (yellow, red, dark green, dark blue, royal blue, purple). We look forward to seeing a rainbow.
On an even happier note, many thanks to our wonderful PTA who organised the hugely successful Sale Trail which has raised lots of money; we will update with a total when we have it.
The money raised by the PTA goes a very long way to enrich the education that we can offer. So far this year you've bought: Christmas Advent books for all classes, subsidised the Year 2 to visit Audley End House, purchased art materials and Book Nook areas within classes. Quite often, the PTA is funding the very things that capture the children's interest and bring excitement to their learning. Many thanks for supporting the PTA and please do help out if you can with upcoming events including Cars on the Village Green and the Bardwell Village Fete.
Mrs Boyd
