Head of Secondary fortnightly blog

Social media, in particular, can expose young people to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and the pressure to present a perfect online persona. These risks can affect wellbeing, disrupt sleep, and interfere with academic focus.

At BSKL, we teach students how to use technology responsibly and we maintain robust systems and filters on campus. However, the majority of online interactions occur after school hours. This means that parents and guardians play an essential role in guiding healthy habits and setting clear boundaries.

During our recent Parent Academy on E-Safety Safeguarding, Mrs Humphrey introduced the idea of a parent agreementregarding students’ use of social media. The session outlined how BSKL actively keeps students safe online - from our in-school systems and filters to the ways we teach children to make responsible choices. Parents also received practical guidance on encouraging open conversations and promoting positive digital habits.

A key takeaway from the Q&A discussion was the value of a collective, community-wide agreement to limit or delay social media access, especially for younger students. By working together and agreeing to shared boundaries, we can reduce peer pressure, ensure consistency across households, and create a safer digital environment for every child. This shared commitment strengthens the partnership between school and home and reinforces the message that wellbeing and safety come first.

To help shape this initiative, we are inviting all parents to complete a short feedback form (for BSKL parents only) that will be open for responses until 3 October. Your input will provide insight into current practices and concerns, helping us develop a community agreement that reflects our collective values and supports parents in guiding their children toward safe and balanced online behaviour. 

Let’s stand united to give our children the gift of a healthier, more secure digital world.