Skip to content ↓

Safeguarding Updates

Page 1

Archive

  • WhatsApp Parental Controls

    Published 07/10/26

    WhatsApp has announced a new set of optional parental controls for teenagers aged 13–17. Parents, carers and teenagers have to agree to link their accounts, after which parents and carers can manage some privacy settings and certain features using a PIN.

    The new controls can include:

    • managing who can see a teenager’s profile photo and who can add them to groups;
    • alerts when a teenager joins or leaves a group, or when a group grows significantly;
    • controls around Channels and Status;
    • choosing between the standard 13+ Meta AI experience and a more restricted Limited Content option.

    These features are still rolling out gradually, so we should start to see them fairly soon.

    There has also been some confusion around WhatsApp for younger children. WhatsApp has separately developed parent-managed accounts for children under 13, focused mainly on messaging and calling with built-in parental supervision. However, these accounts are still being rolled out gradually and there has not yet been a full rollout outside of the US.

    Below are some useful links for parents and carers:

    Links:
    WhatsApp – New Controls to Help Parents Guide Their Teens
    WhatsApp Help Centre – Parental Controls
    WhatsApp – Parent-Managed Accounts

    Mr S Auckland
    Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

    Read More

  • Is Your Child Prepared for their First Phone?

    Published 20/05/26

    Darren Laur has written a really useful article for parents and carers. Within the article he uses the acronym PREPARED, which takes away the complexity of this question and allows families to make decisions based on their own circumstances.

    Read More

  • Instagram – Disappearing Images and Videos

    Published 20/05/26

    An update for parents and carers to be aware of: Instagram has introduced a new Snapchat-style feature into the app; disappearing images, also known as Instants. Introduced this week around the world, the feature allows users to DM an image which will disappear after 24 hours of being viewed.

    Read More

  • What I wish my parents or carers knew…

    Published 15/04/26

    'What I wish my parents or carers knew…': a guide for parents and carers on children's digital lives from the Children's Commissioner.

    Read More

  • Police Warning, Social Media

    Published 25/02/26

     

    We have been made aware by the police about a social media trend where children from different schools are being encouraged to meet up in 'red' groups and 'blue' groups and take part in organised fights. This started in other parts of London and has now spread locally.

    We have no information that this involves any BGS students, but as always, we ask that you go straight home after school.
    If ever you are feeling worried or have concerns about this issue, please inform any member of staff. The police are reminding all young people that you should never carry any type of weapon or object that can be deemed as a weapon in order to help you feel safe being in your community.

    Mr S Auckland
    Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

    Read More

  • Safer Internet Day 2026

    Published 11/02/26

    Tuesday 10th February marked Safer Internet Day 2026, with this year's theme about making smart choices with AI.

    Read More

  • TikTok Safeguarding Alert from NHS England

    Published 04/02/26

    NHS England, have contacted schools to warn that two young adults with a wide following are encouraging self-harm on TikTok.

    Read More

  • Safe Cycling

    Published 12/11/25
    Now that the clocks have changed, could parents and carers please ensure that students cycling to and from school are equipped with lights. Cyclists should also be wearing helmets.
     
    Kind regards,

    Mr S Auckland
    Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead
    Read More

  • 111 NHS Mental Health Crisis Line

    Published 15/10/25

    The NHS has a single phone line for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. If any students are experiencing urgent mental health difficulties, this line may be of use. 

    NHS 111 mental health support

    Best wishes,
    Mr S Auckland
    Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

    Read More

  • ParentSafe - London Grid for Learning

    Published 01/10/25
    Read More

  • NHS Health Warning shared with Bexley: The “Salt & Ice Challenge”

    Published 10/09/25
    A dangerous online trend is resurfacing, where children put salt on their skin and press ice on top.
    • This causes serious cold burns (like frostbite).
    • Injuries can need hospital treatment and even skin grafts.
    • Young people may not realise the damage until it’s too late.
    ✅ First Aid: Cool with lukewarm running water for 10+ minutes, cover with clean cling film, and seek medical help.
    ❌ Do NOT use ice, creams, or fluffy dressings.
    Please reinforce with children and young people that this is not a harmless game, but can cause serious and lasting harm.
    Read More

Page 1

Archive

Cookie Policy