At The Bulmershe School, our commitment to developing well-rounded, resilient young people extends far beyond the traditional classroom. As part of our comprehensive Personal Development and Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum, we have dedicated this week’s assemblies to the theme of Digital Respect and making responsible choices online.

A 21st Century Curriculum

Our ethos is built upon our core values of Respect, Resilience, Responsibility and Safety. In an era where digital interaction is a constant part of life, these values must apply as much behind a screen as they do in person. Our RSHE programme is designed to ensure our students are not just academically successful, but also good local and global citizens who understand the impact of their actions on others.

During our recent assemblies, students explored the complexities of online behaviour. We discussed how conflict can escalate rapidly in digital spaces because we cannot see a person’s facial expressions or hear the tone of their voice. This "anonymity" can sometimes lead to choices that students wouldn't dream of making face-to-face.

Real-World Consequences

To bring the lesson home, we shared a case study regarding a single message sent in a group chat. What was intended as "just a comment" by the sender resulted in significant distress for the recipient, leading to school safeguarding procedures and police involvement. It served as a powerful reminder that digital footprints are permanent and that online comments have real-world consequences, ranging from school sanctions and account suspensions to formal police warnings.

Practical Tips for Parents and Carers

Navigating the Digital World Together

We believe that keeping our students safe and respectful online is a shared responsibility between school and home. Drawing on the latest guidance from the Children’s Commissioner, we’ve compiled some honest, practical advice on how to approach these topics with your child.

1. Create a "Safe Space" for Conversation

Young people often accept that "bad things happen" online as an inevitable part of life, but they can feel personally responsible when things go wrong. Most importantly, children may avoid telling adults because they fear their phone will be confiscated. By creating a calm, "no-shame" environment, you can reassure your child that they can come to you if they see something shocking or upsetting without facing immediate punishment.

2. The "Face-to-Face" Rule

Encourage your child to pause before posting. A simple guiding question is: "If you wouldn’t say this to someone’s face, should you be posting it?" Remind them that a screen is not a shield and that the person receiving the message is real.

3. Set Ground Rules Together

Teens tell us they want a "collaborative approach." Try to agree on rules and boundaries together, such as where and when phones are used. Be prepared for these to change as they get older; involving them in the discussion helps them feel respected and empowered.

4. Be Honest and Explain the "Why"

If you do decide to limit social media access or end up taking a device, explain your reasons clearly. Young people understand that these can be reasonable responses, but they need to understand the logic behind the decision to maintain trust.

5. Keep it Casual (Avoid "The Big Talk")

Teens have shared that they find a formal, serious "talk" intimidating. Instead, try to keep the conversation going in everyday moments, while driving, walking the dog or doing the washing up. Use #AskTheAwkward videos or share a laugh over a funny online story to ease the tension.

6. Be a Digital Role Model

Think about your own digital habits. Discussing how you manage your own screen time or how you handle a difficult email can set a powerful example for your child to follow.

How to Report Concerns

Bulmershe encourage students to follow the "Save, Tell, Report" strategy:

• Save the evidence by taking a screenshot immediately.
• Tell a trusted adult at home or at school. They can use the "Tell us something" form on our website
• Report the content to the platform (most have reporting tools for bullying or harassment) or, in serious cases, to services like CEOP (for online abuse) or the Internet Watch Foundation.

By working in partnership and keeping the lines of communication open, we can ensure our students develop the character and integrity needed to navigate the digital world safely and respectfully.

‘What I wish my parents or carers knew…’

A guide for parents and carers on managing children’s digital lives

The Children’s Commissioner has released a new guide to help families navigate the complex world of social media, smartphones, and online safety.

What makes this guide special is that it was written with the direct involvement of young people themselves. Their message is clear: they value firm, protective boundaries and want their parents to be informed about their digital lives.

Managing Children's Digital Lives Guide and Activity Pack