Daily Safeguarding Update

Reddit boss rejects crackdown on coronavirus misinformation

Reddit’s chief executive, Steve Huffman, has rejected a call to ban coronavirus misinformation because the platform values “dissent”, open discussion and debate.
This approach is different from other social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, which have cracked down on posts that promote false information, such as misleading stories about vaccines.
Many Reddit users on Reddit’s biggest forums and subreddits have upvoted a post calling for Reddit to act against the rampant Coronavirus misinformation on the website.
For tips on staying safe on Reddit, check out our safety card.
Full story, here.

New figures from the NHS reveal that children are being prescribed antidepressants in record numbers.
In 2020, 231,791 prescriptions for the drugs were issued to children aged between five and sixteen.
Health service guidance suggests that anti-depressants should only be offered to under-18s in cases of moderate or severe depression, alongside talking therapies.
Studies suggest that lockdowns and missed schooling, alongside the pressures of social media, could contribute to higher rates of mental distress.
Full story, here.

New relationships and sex education guidance is about to come into force in schools and colleges from September.
The introduction of this guidance has been delayed due to the pandemic, but all schools and colleges are expected to have the updated curriculum in place.
The guidance outlines that schools must teach relationships education in key stages 1 and 2, relationships and sex education in key stages 3 and 4, and health education in key stages 1 to 4.
Everyone’s Invited and Ofsted’s subsequent review of sexual harassment contributed to the renewed calls for schools to prioritise RSHE.
The guidance can be found here.
Full story, here.

Scientists have advised the government that high levels of Covid are ‘highly likely’ in schools in England by the end of September.
This follows the record rise of cases in Scotland since schools re-opening, the upcoming decision on whether a vaccine will be offered to 12-15-year-olds in England and the warning about Freshers’ week parties.
Despite concerns, the World Health Organisation and Unicef claim that schools must be made safe for students and staff and urge governments to ensure keeping schools open is a primary objective.
Full story, here.

Councils in England are struggling to complete children’s education and care plans before the new school year because of a shortage of specialists.
Education health and care plans (EHCPs) set out the extra provision that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are legally entitled to.
However, councils are failing to appropriately assess the level of support children with special educational needs require.
A letter sent to parents this month by North Yorkshire County council indicates that most local authorities in England do not have enough of these specialists to provide essential reports.
Full story, here.