Confidence and self esteem can be affected when negative things happen; this happens a lot to children in and outside of school by adults, other children, and the way a child perceives themselves/their actions/their responses. This is why when and if you notice any signs of low self-esteem or confidence you support and give encouragement. There are many methods to support self esteem and confidence; you can listen, positive language and actions, also taking interest in what’s happening.
It is vital to listen to the children and respond as necessary. Children notice body language, especially when they want approval so use body and facial language to smile, reassure and encourage. 21: Provide an analysis of the importance of supporting resilience in children and young people: Resilience is important as it can help a child or young person learn ways to cope if bulling was to happen; it is about a child being independent and being able to manage and create own strategies to deal with things.
It is helpful for a child to learn/ have this attribute so that they can gain confidence to stand up for themselves and/or others if the problem arises. When a child is taught and supported to build a positive and strong resilience it can help with every day things, when transitions happen and make more independent and able to cope should they ever encounter any situation out of the norm. They are more likely to push themselves to their full potential are less likely to develop emotional problems.
2: Explain why it is important to work with the child or young person to ensure they have strategies to protect themselves and make decisions about safety: Children need to learn and figure out ways to protect themselves; this is so they do not rebel when they are told rather than shown or taught. Children will take risks and test every day, this is not always a negative as it can help them develop their own methods and strategies on ways to protect and safeguard themselves. Staff have an obligation and duty to get involved if there is any risk of harm, and follow appropriate procedures if this was to happen.
However, make the child aware of the risks and why you had to step in, give them advice this will help them understand and gain knowledge so they can learn and figure out in their minds how to act and respond in their own way. There are some things child need to be made aware of as they may never encounter for example, road safety, kidnapping – not talking to strangers. It is important not to scare them but to reinforce the dangers so that if they were ever in the situation they have some knowledge and can protect themselves as much as possible.
3: Explain ways of empowering children and young people to make positive and informed choices that support their wellbeing and safety: When empowering children it is important to give them reliable information, this is so they are aware and confident of there own rights and responsibilities. Also make it know that you are aware of their views and that each one is an individual. It is important that you advise and explain how specific things can help and support them make positive and judgemental choice which can have a positive impact on their own well being and safety.
Everyone learns by doing things, taking risks, so if a child is doing something knew and taking a risk, be there to support them. You can do this by talking to them, or ask them to talk you through what and why they are doing what they are doing, or physically help them by aiding them or being at their line of sight. It may be useful to show an interest in what a child is doing as it will encourage them to discuss their thought process. Just always be sure the child is safe and encourage them wherever possible.
When working with children the key points are when empowering children to make positive and informed choices are to be honest, set boundaries, reinforce problems that may arise and to promote positive relationships with everyone. 24: Explain the risks and possible consequences for children and young people of being online and of using a mobile phone: There are many methods and way of using technology to get online; children can now access the internet through their phone and online games. There is a high risk of sexual and emotional abuse for children when they are exposed to the internet or have access to mobiles.
It is impossible to state that children and young people should not use the internet; this is because it is a great method to help and support during education. There are many programs and websites that can assist children educationally; especially children with dyslexia, dyspraxia. There are many risks involved and commonly happen without some individuals even realising, giving out personal information and accessing inappropriate images innocently; many sites do have age limits but there are ways of minors still accessing them by falsifying their own details.
The information uploaded can reveal a lot of information, pictures and phone numbers; this makes them an easy target to be groomed, or being exposed to the sexual nature. Schools have in place a filtering system to prevent unsuitable sites, students must be supervised when using computer so minimise any risks, no matter how vigilant staff and parents may be there is still an increasing risk. All schools have a policy to ensure students are protects and know how to use the internet safely.
It is essential children are aware of the risks, and of ways to protect themselves; they should also know how to acknowledge and eport any concerns. 25: Describe ways of reducing risk to children and young people from social networking, internet use, buying online and using a mobile phone. Several things can help reduce the risks such as: When a child is using social networking sites be sure to advise them and make them aware about never talking to strangers, meeting them etc. If a child is on social network sites pay an interest and be aware who they are talking to, and ensure they are not giving out or making any personal information public.
There are programs and filters that can block out most if not all sexual images. Schools should have an acceptable use policy in place, ofsted will monitor this to limit the amount of time a child or young person spends online. Parents or carer can do the same. If a young person is buying online make them aware that there is a risk of others hacking into your computer to get your identity, again programs and firewalls can minimised the risks. However, it would be more sensible and appropriate for and adult to purchase online things so they can read the fine print etc.
There are risks of fraud to anyone using the internet; this can be prevented by using a secure payment system like paypal, so if they are to buy online encourage that system. Most children have a mobile phone but the risk of it being stolen can be minimised by not showing it off or having a less attractive/ down market phone. Ultimately as a parent/guardian/teacher you can reduce the risk by talking to the child/young person by making them aware of the do’s and don’ts, not scaring them. But pass on knowledge and research to put them on the right path.
