learningathome.gov.je
Keeping safe
Jersey has committed to Putting Children First
Safeguarding children from harm is fundamental to this mission and is a core priority in our schools. There are many aspects of keeping safe that involve daily living which we all need to know and understand.
As a parent or carer, you are not expected to know everything. There is a lot of support available and it is helpful to seek additional support and guidance when this is needed.
During school term-time, your child’s teachers are a great source of guidance, and schools will include lessons or invite visitors into school to help children learn about many aspects of safety. You have a significant role to play in this too, so here is some helpful guidance should you need it.
Jersey Putting Children First on the gov.je website
‘Keeping children and young people safe is a collective responsibility’
Keeping safe in the sun
It's important to protect your child's skin
Too much time in the sun can cause skin damage, such as skin aging, wrinkling or burning. It can also cause more serious issues, including eye damage and skin cancer.
The key things to remember in keeping your child’s body protected from sun damage are:
- wear sun cream that has at least factor 30 SPF
- wear sunglasses and hats
- cover up with loose clothing
- drink plenty of water
- stay in the shade during the hottest time of the day between 11am and 3pm
If you would like some help in getting key messages across to younger children, try the following video:
YouTube video: Stay Safe. Be Sunwise
Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Guide
Firework safety
Fireworks can be great fun for families
Traditionally, fireworks are linked with cultural celebrations, such as weddings, Chinese New Year, New Year’s Eve or Diwali.
We know them best in the UK as part of Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes Night. Learn more about the story of Bonfire Night below.
The best and safest way to see fireworks is to go to an organised display. If you are organising your own display then make sure you read the following guidance:
Using fireworks safely on the gov.je website
The story of Bonfire Night on the BBC website
Keeping safe on the beach
Jersey is a beautiful island surrounded by sea
The warm, sunny weather during the summer is likely to encourage you to take your child to the beach to swim, surf or boogie board, or perhaps you might visit the reservoirs or use a swimming or paddling pool.
Water features strongly in our island life. It is important that children in Jersey know how to keep safe when near water.
Beach Safety on the gov.je website
Rock pooling
Children love rock pooling, and with some fantastic places to visit on Jersey, families can have a lot of fun. Take a look at the Summertime fun page on our website to find our guide for the best places to go in Jersey.
You can keep safe when rock pooling by:
- always checking the tide timetable for the day you are going
- always checking the weather forecast; it can change quickly
- taking a watch with you so you know when to head back before the tide turns
- following the tide out when rock pooling – you get the best fish and it’s much safer
- children should always go with an adult
- telling someone where you are going and when you will be back
- making sure you have a hat, sunglasses, t-shirt, water and factor 30 SPF sun block
- wearing sturdy shoes with a good grip and that fit well
- always leaving creatures where you found them
Take a copy of Jersey’s Living Coast Guides with you to identify some of the animals and plants you might find there.
Jersey’s Living Coast Guides on the gov.je website
Keeping safe on your bike
Cycling has become much more popular during 2020
This is a fantastic way for children and adults to keep fit and active. Some schools are extending their facilities so that more children can cycle to school.
Safer cycling
Here are some tips to think about:
- get trained
- keep in control
- wear a helmet - know the Law
- be seen and heard
- check your bike
- be alert and plan your route
- wear something bright so others can see you
Further tips and advice from the ‘We Love to Cycle’ YouTube video
Jersey offers many signposted cycling routes to enjoy and there are cycle paths developing across Jersey. These can be found in detail in the following guide:
Bicycle training
Bicycle training is important and ranges for basic skills right up to advanced. Children should not ride on the roads without appropriate training.
Guidance about available cycle training on the Jersey Safe Roads Website
Keeping safe on the roads
Jersey has a lot of different types of roads, from green lanes without pavements to a dual carriageway. Trying to understand how to be safe in all the different situations can be a challenge. Children need help in understanding the rules.
Whilst the Jersey Police support children in schools with road safety training, most of the time when they practice these skills, they will be with parents or friends. Being a good role model is one of the most important roles a parent can play.
Road safety training on the Jersey Police website
Here is a road safety guide on the ROSPA website to help you with the basics.
Remember as the seasons move through Autumn into Winter, it is important to be safe and be seen.
Be safe and be seen on the Jersey Police website
Keeping safe from fire
Does your child know what to do if there is a fire?
The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service offers a fire safety education package to schools. Have a look and see what your child should know about in each age group.
Fire safety education package on the gov.je website
You child’s school will teach them what to do in relation to the fire alarm going off at school and they will practice how to evacuate the building regularly.
Here are some key tips to help:
Matches and lighters are for grown-ups
- teach your child from a very young age that if they see matches or lighters, they should not touch them, but tell a grown-up about them and where they are
Smoke alarms are important
- your child should know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if there is a fire emergency
Create and practice your escape plan
- everyone in your home should help create an escape plan and practice it regularly. Remind everyone to go low, go under smoke, and get out fast
Establish your outside meeting place
- choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home. Teach your child to never go back inside a home that's on fire
Actions to take in a fire emergency on the gov.je webiste
Making a fire escape plan for your home on the gov.je website
Keeping safe: first aid
Learning a few basics of first aid can help to save a life
Even before a you teach your child first aid, it is important that the they are taught how to call for help.
All children should know how to call 999 in the event of an emergency.
They should also know their full names, their parents' full names, and their address and phone number so that they are able to provide this information over the phone. Children must be taught when it is appropriate to call 999 and the importance of only calling it for emergencies.
Here are some links to help your child to develop their skills in Jersey:
St John Ambulance Badger Programme - developed to enable young people to learn important life skills in a fun and safe environment. The programme is for children aged 7 to 10 years old.
Cadets - For young people aged 11 to 17 years old. Younger Cadets learn first aid skills through the St John Ambulance training course for young people while older Cadets can undertake a community first aid or first aid at work course.
Safeguarding support
There are lots of Jersey agencies and other organisations available to support you and your family with any safeguarding concerns you may have.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you're concerned about a neighbour, someone in your household or yourself then please do not hesitate to get in touch with the many helplines and advice centres available to you.
There is always someone available to offer advice and support when you need it.
Helpful links
| Link | Age | Description | Contact | Cost |
| Coronavirus advice for children, families and parents | All ages | Advice from the NSPCC about supporting children and families through this difficult time | Free | |
| Pantosaurus | 3 to 11 years | The Pantosaurus song (YouTube), helping children to speak about concerns relating to sexual abuse. Parental permission required to access site | Free | |
| Children and Families Hub | All ages | Information, advice and support for families and young people. The hub also responds to any safeguarding concerns you may have for a child or young person | 01534 519000 | Free |
| Children’s Commissioner for Jersey | All ages | Here to support you if you are a child or young person, or to help you support the child or young person in your life | 01534 867310 | Free |
| Children's Society | 5 to 19 years | Guidance and support on safety and wellbeing throughout this period, and beyond | Free | |
| Emergency Housing |
All ages |
Support for anyone requiring emergency housing situations and cannot stay in their home or are homeless |
Free |
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All ages |
To protect and support victims of domestic abuse |
01534 880505 Online Chat Available
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Free |
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All ages |
Provide support, advice and safe haven/accommodation |
01534 768368 |
Free |
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All ages |
Lots of helpful information for children and young people |
0800 1111 |
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5 to 19 years |
Supporting Jersey families to help make sure children are given the best chance in life |
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Free |
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All ages |
Here to support parents with any issues they may be facing |
01534 449481 |
Free |
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5 to 19 years |
Information on skincare and sun safety. Scheme supported by a number of Jersey schools to prevent skin cancer through education |
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Free |
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All ages |
How to recognise abuse |
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Free |
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All ages |
For emergencies or if you think a crime has been committed |
999 |
Free |
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All ages |
Support for all victims in Jersey |
01534 440496 |
Free |
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Under 25 years |
Under 25s can call the free, seven days a week, from noon to 8pm |
01534 440496 |
Free |
Coronavirus information and support
You can find coronavirus information on the gov.je website.
Digital safety
Online safety at home
Technology has changed the way that children interact with the world. While technology can provide opportunities to learn and express creativity, it can also present risks.
Here are 4 things you can do to help keep your child safe online:
Use the opportunity to chat with your child
With families spending more time at home, now is a great time to continue to chat with your child about how they are using online technology.
Ask them what they are doing online, and what they like and dislike about the apps and services they use. If it helps, discuss some ‘ground rules’.
Explore safety resources together
There are several websites that contain either educational resources or parental guidance to support learning about e-safety.
‘Thinkuknow' is an online safety education programme from the National Crime Agency. Many of our schools use this resource to support their teaching about e-safety.
Every two weeks, ‘Thinkuknow’ release a new set of simple online safety home activities to share with children and young people between the ages of 3 and 16. Use these activities to talk about safety online in your home.
Have a look at the parents and carers help sheets on the website for further online safety advice.
The links below also provide useful resources and support services:
UK Safer Internet website
Net Aware website
Safeguarding and online safety resources website
Childnet International website
Parent Info from ParentZone website
Remind children to report anything worrying
It's important that children and young people always know where to go if they come across something that worries them or makes them feel uncomfortable online.
This is especially important during this time when other trusted sources of support such as school staff may not be as easily accessible. Children may not have as many opportunities to talk confidentially to their friends.
To help, you could:
- encourage them to speak to you or another adult immediately if they have any worries or concerns
- remind them that they can always call Childline on 0800 1111 if they have any worries, something that has happened online, stress about being stuck at home, arguments with siblings or anxiety about Coronavirus
- make sure they know that they can always report to CEOP if they are worried about sexual abuse online. Young people can also report to CEOP if they are worried about a friend.
The best thing you can do is make sure they feel they could talk to you if they were ever worried.
Set up or review your parental controls
Setting parental controls can be a quick and effective tool to help protect your children online, and should be installed on all devices that children use. For advice and support in setting these controls, please read our Thinkuknow article.
Helpful links
|
Organisation |
Age range |
Description |
Cost |
| All ages | Parent Info provides support and e-safety guidance from leading experts and organisations | Free | |
| Childnet International | All ages | A non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children | Free |
| Thinkuknow | 4 to 18 years | Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation protecting children both online and offline | Free |
| UK Safer Internet Centre | All ages | Online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online | Free |
| LGfL | All ages | Resources and online safety guidance for parents | Free |
| Net-Aware | All ages | A guide to social networks, apps and games | Free |
| Internet Matters | All ages | Screen time guidance for parents and children | Free |
| BBC Good Food | 5 to 12 years | Activities that parents can share with their children to encourage calmness and wellbeing | Free |
Helpful links for a safer internet
| Link | Description |
| Keeping your devices safe | Advice on important issues such as creating strong passwords, avoiding phishing and minimising the chance of getting a virus on your device |
| UK Safer Internet Centre | Free resources to help parents to talk to their children about online safety |
| UK Safer Internet Centre: Resources for parents and carers | A range of online advice and support from key organisations |
| Internetmatters.org | Expert tips to help children tackle fake news and false information |
| Together for a better internet | Information about Safer Internet Day |
| Safer Internet Day 2021: Top tips for the 3 to 7s | Ideas to help you talk to your child about being online. It's never too early |
Safer Internet Day 2021: Top tips for the 7 to 11s |
How to help your child to tell fact from fiction online |
| Safer Internet Day 2021: Top tips for the 11 to 18s | Advice encouraging everyone to make the internet a better place and giving parents ideas of how to talk to teenagers about this |
| UK Safer Internet Centre: Films for 5 to 11 years | These films are aimed at children and young people aged 5 - 11 exploring what we can trust on the internet as part of our Safer Internet Day 2021 campaign |
| UK Safer Internet Centre: Films for parents and carers | Children and young people share their opinions on how their parents and carers can help with trust online |
| Safer Internet Day resources | Resources to explore online safety with Primary and Secondary pupils |
Get involved in Safer Internet Day |
Find out about trust and reliability online (YouTube). Parental permission advised to access the site |