Board Manager's Blog (June 2023) Tue 06 Jun 2023

                

Safeguarding Partnership Business Manager Blog – June

June 2023: "Safeguarding in the Digital Age"

Hello everyone, this is Darren Minton, your Safeguarding Business Manager. I'm thrilled to welcome you to the very first edition of our Safeguarding Partnership Business Manager blog. As we navigate through the year this month, I am diving into the intricate and ever-evolving world of safeguarding in the digital age.

The internet, a vast network connecting billions of people worldwide, has revolutionised how we live, learn, and communicate. It's a vibrant world of information and opportunities, a tool for exploration and connection. However, like any world, it has its darker corners. These corners can pose significant risks for children and adults at risk, and it's our responsibility to shed light on these areas.

Cyberbullying is one of the most prevalent issues we face in this digital era. Bullying has found a new playground with the rise of social media platforms and online gaming. It's no longer confined to school playgrounds or neighbourhoods; it has infiltrated the digital space where boundaries blur, and anonymity provides a veil for those with harmful intentions. It's now possible for a child to be bullied at any time, anywhere, even in the supposed safety of their own home. As a community, we must recognise the signs of cyberbullying, understand its impact, and know how to respond effectively.

Another significant concern that has emerged in the digital age is online grooming. The internet provides a veil of anonymity that can be exploited by those with malicious intent. They can hide behind fake profiles, manipulate conversations, and target unsuspecting individuals with frightening precision. It's a harsh reality, but we must confront it head-on to protect those at risk.

So, how can we protect children and adults at risk in this digital age? Here are a few strategies:

Educate: Knowledge is power. It's crucial to educate those at risk about the potential dangers of the internet and how to use it safely. Discuss topics like privacy settings, the implications of sharing personal information, and the importance of being cautious when dealing with strangers online. It's not about instilling fear but about empowering them with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.

Monitor: Stay aware of their online activities. This doesn't mean prying into every message or post but understanding the platforms they're using, the nature of their interactions, and the people they're communicating with. It's about being vigilant without invading their privacy.

Communicate: Foster an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. Encourage open and honest communication. Let them know they can come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable or have any concerns.

Equip: Use tools like parental control software to help manage their online access and protect them from harmful content. These tools can provide additional protection and give you peace of mind.

One of the most important aspects of online safety is understanding and correctly using privacy settings. These settings, available on almost all social media platforms and online games, allow users to control who can see their posts, contact them, and view their personal information. It's essential to regularly review and update these settings, as platforms often update their privacy policies and default settings.

In the digital age, safeguarding is more important than ever. As we navigate this complex landscape, let's remember that our goal is not to shield children and adults at risk from the internet but to empower them to use it safely and responsibly.

This month, we're also excited to celebrate Safeguarding Week! This is a fantastic opportunity to unite as a community and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding. A host of exciting activities are taking place, all designed to raise awareness and promote safeguarding in our community. There's something for everyone, from informative workshops and webinars to interactive discussions and Q&A sessions. I encourage you to check out the Safer Bradford website at www.saferbradford.co.uk for more information. Let's make this Safeguarding Week the best one yet!

As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding, each month, I'll be shining a spotlight on one of the subgroups of the Bradford District Safeguarding Children Partnership and Bradford Safeguarding Adult Board. These groups play a crucial role in our community, bringing together key partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response to safeguarding issues.

                              

This month, we're featuring the All Age Exploitation Sub Group. This dedicated team works tirelessly to protect children, young people, and adults at risk from exploitation. They aim to provide a consistent, collaborative, and coordinated response across the Bradford District, focusing on prevention, protection, pursuit, and prosecution.

The All-Age Exploitation Sub Group is all about collaboration. They bring together diverse partners to build a comprehensive understanding of emerging risks and trends. This collaborative approach enables them to respond swiftly and effectively to safeguard those at risk of exploitation.

But their work doesn't stop there. They're also committed to improving support and local provision. They share good practices, promote effective interventions, and work to improve recovery and protection services for those affected by exploitation. They're constantly learning and evolving, building an understanding of what works and how they can do better.

A person-centred approach is one of the key principles of the All Age Exploitation Sub Group. They believe that the voice and experiences of those they serve should inform their work and the development of policies and procedures. They're dedicated to ensuring everyone they work with feels heard, valued, and supported.

Finally, the All Age Exploitation Sub Group is passionate about prevention. They work to identify and implement preventative services to reduce the risk of harm from exploitation, peer-on-peer abuse, and modern-day slavery. They use multi-agency information and intelligence to inform their prevention strategies and to pursue and prosecute those who seek to exploit others.

The All Age Exploitation Sub Group is just one example of the incredible work being done by the Bradford District Safeguarding Children Partnership. 

 

Before I wrap up this month's blog post, I want to take a moment to acknowledge some important changes in our team.

Firstly, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Dr Terry Hudsen, the new Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board. We're thrilled to have Dr Hudsen on board and look forward to the expertise and leadership he will bring to the role.

Secondly, I'd like to express our heartfelt thanks to Jane Geraghty, our outgoing chair. Jane has been an integral part of our team for the past four years, and her contributions to safeguarding our community cannot be overstated. Jane, thank you for your dedication, hard work, and support to the Safeguarding Adults Board. You will be greatly missed, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Finally, as this month's blog comes to a close, I want to tell you a simple but powerful message: "Pass it on." Share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues. Talk about it with your children or the adults at risk. The more we spread the word, the safer our digital world will be.

Stay tuned for next month's blog, where I'll discuss safeguarding during the summer months. I'll delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of the summer season and share some practical tips for keeping safe. Until then, stay safe online!

Thank you for joining me, so, until July, stay safe and remember: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Together, we can make a difference for the people of the Bradford District.

  Kind regards

 Darren