The online world. A place of opportunity, creativity and connection – but also a place of growing concern for schools and families alike.
At Francis Holland Regent’s Park, we know the risks the digital world can pose to our young people, which is why online safety is a priority for us – from our mobile-phone-free school day, to teaching pupils from Year 7 how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
We also recognise something equally important: the digital world isn’t going away, and when used intelligently, it can enrich learning, spark curiosity and open doors.
That’s why on Monday evening we were delighted to be joined by Oliver Welsby FRSA, Lead Consultant at Brightcore Training & Consultancy, who delivered a 90-minute workshop for parents on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 which explored the topic through a mental health and wellbeing lens and focused on how parents can support their children to engage safely and positively online. We were also thrilled to welcome prospective families and those from our local prep and junior school community to this workshop.
Drawing on his experience working with over 1,200 schools and numerous local authorities, Oliver shared thoughtful and nuanced insights into the realities of growing up online today. With a dynamic, authentic and highly relatable approach – and speaking as a parent himself – Oliver invited us to consider that:
- Childhood has changed significantly in the last 30 years, with increased digital supervision, less outdoor time, and social lives increasingly taking place online
- Online presence can also bring strengths: young people are digitally skilled, mentally agile and increasingly emotionally literate
- Messaging matters: removing mobile phones as a punishment can silence children and discourage them from seeking help
- The shared responsibility of schools and parents is to protect and empower young people to navigate the digital world with confidence
This isn’t about fear-mongering – it’s about understanding, balance and partnership.
We are pleased to be able to create a space for conversation that matters and look forward to hearing feedback from our school community on this topic.
