Important Information Regarding Social Media Safety and School Phone Policy

Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Important Information Regarding Social Media Safety and School Phone Policy

We are writing to you to highlight some important concerns regarding the use of social media and mobile phones, which are increasingly affecting the safety and wellbeing of young people.

Dangers of Social Media

Social media platforms can expose pupils to a range of risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, and inappropriate interactions. Of particular concern is the sharing of indecent images, which is not only damaging to the individuals involved but also a serious legal matter. The police have clear procedures for dealing with such incidents, and any involvement in sharing or receiving indecent images can lead to criminal investigations. It is vital that pupils understand the consequences of these actions.

Parental Duty of Care

 As parents and carers, you have a crucial role in safeguarding your children online. We strongly encourage you to use parental controls and monitoring tools available on devices and social media platforms to help protect your children from inappropriate content and interactions. Setting boundaries and having open conversations about online safety are essential steps in supporting your child’s wellbeing.

School Phone Policy.

To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, Reddish Hall School has a strict no-phone policy during school hours. This means pupils are not allowed to use or have mobile phones on school premises. We want to emphasise that any issues related to social media use and phone safety primarily happen at home, and it is the responsibility of parents and carers to supervise and manage their child’s phone use outside school hours.

New Government Leglisation.

From April 2026, schools in England must operate as mobile phone‑free by default. The previous DfE guidance has been made statutory, so schools are legally required to limit pupils’ phone use during the school day.

Why it matters

The law aims to reduce distractions, improve wellbeing and learning, and create a consistent approach across schools.

There is further information and tips to online safety and Social media in a downloadable booklet on our website.

www.reddishhallschool.co.uk

We appreciate your cooperation in working together to keep our pupils safe both in school and at home. Should you have any questions or require support in setting up parental controls or understanding online safety, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Jane Neale

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Reddish Hall School