Safeguarding and Child Protection Association (SACPA)

Thank you to Mario Di Clemente and Suchita Prakash who talked passionately about "Developing safeguarding practice with international families". Many safeguarding concerns navigated with international young people and their families depends on treating safeguarding as a partnership and understanding cultural issues and variation, but prioritising the wellbeing and safety of the young person in your care. #sacpaconf2024 #bsaconf2024 #safeguarding #internationalstudents #supportingexcellence

Some closing thoughts from Mario Di Clemente, Education Consultant in today's final session discussing the development of safeguarding practice with international families. Today's conference will conclude with the announcement of SACPA's Annual Safeguarding Award winners. Watch this space... #SACPAConf2024 #BSAConf2024 Boarding Schools' Association (BSA)

Great to hear from Suchita Prakash, DSL and Deputy Head (Pastoral), Mill Hill International about the breadth of safeguarding required across cultures to support international families. #SACPAConf2024 #BSAConf2024 Boarding Schools' Association (BSA)

Some really insightful discussion on the theme of VR and the Metaverse amongst our speakers at today's Annual Safeguarding Conference... "There is a lot of ambiguity around the terms of VR and it becomes a minefield which we are left to figure out." Paula Bradbury Criminology and Policing Practice Lecturer, University of Middlesex "Something for us to consider is that children are entering the Metaverse but we are not always engaging with them in this. We need to be aware of the risks and be having these conversations as it is becoming aware how little we talk about this." Elena Matellozzo, Professor in Criminology, Associate Director, Centre for Child Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS), Middlesex University "It's really clear to us that children believe they can't be harmed in the Metaverse. From a safeguarding point of view, it's understanding that you don't have to be in a physical place to suffer from trauma. The importance is considering how we move forwards as educators and ensure that children understand the dangers." Chris MacInnis, Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead, Ardingly College If you were unable to attend today's conference, recorded sessions are available on request via info@sacpa.org.uk #SACPAConf2024 #BSAConf2024 Boarding Schools' Association (BSA)

Boglarka M., Researcher, Centre For Abuse & Trauma Studies, Middlesex University reveals stark results following research conducted about children's experience of the metaverse: "55% of children stated they have been asked to send a picture of themselves to someone they do not know." #SACPAConf2024 #BSAConf2024 Boarding Schools' Association (BSA)

How well do you know the risks for children exploring the world of Virtual Reality? "Sometimes you can access inappropriate content and come across avatars you don't want to engage with. There are challenges for children in reporting, location sharing and spending money." Elena Matellozzo, Professor in Criminology, Associate Director, Centre for Child Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS), Middlesex University #SACPAConf2024 #BSAConf2024 Boarding Schools' Association (BSA)

A child's concerning behaviors are communicating that they are struggling to meet expectations, so responding with punishment won't help. Kids do well if they can. If your child is responding maladaptively to a problem or frustration, it is because they’re struggling with important skills, such as flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, problem-solving, and emotion regulation.

Brilliant to hear from Professor Claudia Bernard, Professor of Social Work, Goldsmiths, University of London as she talks about the outcomes of research on affluent neglect and safeguarding international students. Unable to attend today's Annual Safeguarding Conference? Session recordings can be requested via info@sacpa.org.uk #SACPAConf2024 #BSAConf2024 Boarding Schools' Association (BSA)

David Smellie, Head of Safeguarding Unit at Farrer & Co asks our panel what the current trends in child on child abuse are in their settings and contexts, including language around race, gender and sexuality. A recording of this discussion and all sessions from today's conference are available via info@sacpa.org.uk

The SACPA/BSA Annual Safeguarding Conference kicks off with a keynote address on safeguarding trends by Karl Hopwood. Many thanks Karl for comprehensive update.