Children’s Mental Health

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Embracing Unique Minds in Our Organisations and Communities

This week marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week. It’s a time to acknowledge and appreciate the variety of brain makeups in our society and, more specifically, within our organisations. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. People who are neurodiverse often experience, interact with, and interpret the world in unique ways. This includes those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological conditions.

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity suggests that just because some individuals process information differently, it doesn’t mean they are deficient or less capable. On the contrary, these differences can lead to innovative solutions and perspectives that are invaluable in any field or organisation. By embracing neurodiversity in our team or community, we acknowledge the strength and potential that come from cognitive differences.

The Power of Different Perspectives

Neurodiverse individuals often bring a fresh viewpoint to problem-solving. Their unique way of processing information can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovations that others might overlook. For example, someone with dyslexia might have enhanced spatial reasoning, while a person with ADHD could excel in dynamic environments requiring rapid adaptation.

In industries from technology to creative arts, neurodiverse individuals have made significant contributions. Think of the unique problem-solving approach of an engineer with autism (Nichola Tesla for example) or the inventive storytelling of a writer with dyslexia (Agatha Christie for example). These talents and skills are a direct result of their different cognitive processes.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Your Organisation

Does your organisation believe in the value of every individual’s contributions, regardless of how their brain is wired? Do you strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported? By doing so, you not only enhance the wellbeing of your employees but also tap into a wealth of diverse, innovative ideas that drive your success.

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let’s commit to recognising and appreciating the different ways in which our colleagues think and perceive the world. Let’s challenge ourselves to learn from these differences and to foster an environment where everyone can thrive.

Celebrating Strength in Diversity

By celebrating neurodiversity, we celebrate human potential. We recognise that our collective strength lies in our differences and that our community is richer for it. This week, let’s take the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of our neurodiverse colleagues and to reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive workplace where they feel valued and welcome as equal partners.

In conclusion, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is not just about acknowledging neurodiverse individuals but about embracing and leveraging the unique strengths they bring to our organisations and our communities. It’s a reminder that when we value diversity in all its forms, including neurological, we foster a more innovative, dynamic, and compassionate community.

Let us continue to celebrate our differences and the immense value they add to our collective success. Here’s to a future where every mind is recognised for its potential, and every individual is celebrated for their unique contributions.

 

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Showcasing a community that’s leaving no one behind

What’s going on in Sheffield?

Shawmind moved to Sheffield in August 2023 and in 3 short months we already we have formed some fantastic partnerships with local organisations and the community here.

Working alongside some of the top sports clubs, we have been fortunate enough to be able to provide recognition to local organisations for the work that they are doing, as well as provide necessary sponsorship and support to other organisations who need it. Our most recent partnerships include Sheffield Steelers, The Steeldogs, B. Braun Sheffield Sharks and The Hatters.

In early October we were able to give a local mental health charity, MentalMate, and its members the Sheffield Steelers VIP suite in recognition of their fantastic work within the community: they are a mental health boxing club who opened their gym in April and provide free access to the training and coaching facilities for people in the community who struggle with their mental health. They are also there for those who find that boxing provides a form of relief and can also give access to mental health first aid. They work with families and children who are struggling, providing safe spaces and someone to talk to at every gym training session. They have just been nominated locally for a Health and Wellbeing Award for their work in the community, and they very kindly like and repost all our posts on social media which is helping to build our profile locally.

Recently, the Sheffield Sharks played their most formidable opponents, the London Lions. Tickets were eagerly snapped up for this, but again, Shawmind had been fortunate to be able to secure and provide 35 tickets to members of the community, and to the children in Royston Scout Troop, a small troop now looking to raise funds to build their own scout hall.

Within the next few weeks our CEO, Peter, will be delivering mental health awareness training to the Sheffield Sharks – these players are role models within the community to whom many young children look up, so having them understand, and more importantly able to interact with, children who are struggling will have big impact.

Lastly, since moving to Sheffield, we are proud to be supporting the Mi Amigo Restoration Project, a memorial that deeply resonates with our community still today. The restoration plans for the memorial are crucial in order to maintain the site and ensure that it is accessible to everyone who wishes to pay their respects to the air crew who selflessly gave their own lives to protect children and families of Sheffield.

We are working closely with RAFA and the UK Veterans Gamers Association to do a landmark fundraising event  in celebration of the unveiling of the Mi Amigo Memorial next year in Sheffield, supported by Meadowhall Shopping Centre who have allowed us an area upstairs to showcase our exhibition which will include elements from the Mi Amigo story and also that of our work with partners in pioneering mental fitness support within the online video gaming industry, as part of an educational enrichment programme.

It’s been a very busy few months but we are dedicated and excited to continue working with local communities, individuals and organisations to bring the best level of mental health awareness and fitness to Sheffield. We won’t stop striving to ensure that everyone understands the importance of mental health and wellbeing, and that everyone who needs support has access to that. We are small, but mighty organisation, building a community that will leave no one behind.

If you’re interested in the work we do and want to find out more or how we could work together, please get in touch via the contact form here and we will get back to you.

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How Schools can Tackle Student Issues With Social Media

Social media plays a massive role in the lives of children and teens, and it is important that schools are well equipped to tackle issues relating to social media.  

Improper social media usage can negatively impact children and teen mental health. Research shows, young adults who use social media are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.  

As part of our Headucation mission, we want to give schools the skills and knowledge they need to tackle social media issues and improve the mental health of young people.  

 

This post will be discussing: 

  • Social media and cyberbullying 
  • Social media and productivity 
  • Privacy and safety concerns 
  • School social media policies  
  • Social media educational assemblies  
  • Policies for addressing improper social media usage 

The impact of social media on student’s well-being and academic performance 

Cyberbullying and its effects on students 

With the rise in popularity of social media, schools have seen an increase in cyberbullying cases between students. Reports show that 1 in 4 children between the ages of 10-15 have experienced at least one form of cyberbullying in the UK.  

The impact of cyberbullying can be wide-ranging, and can impact various aspects of a young person’s life.  Compared to traditional forms of bullying, cyberbullying can often feel inescapable, as it can follow them home rather than being left on the playground. This can lead to further feelings of anxiety and depression.  

Some of the impacts of cyberbullying include: 

  • Depression 
  • Academic decline 
  • Social isolation 
  • Self-harm 
  • Eating disorders 
  • Suicide  
  • Anxiety  
  • Poor attendance  
  • Lack of sleep 

 

Distraction and decreased productivity 

Social media platforms have become an integral part of the lives of students, but they can also serve as significant distractions and hinder productivity in schools.  

Social media platforms are designed to be addictive and can easily consume a significant amount of time. Students may find themselves spending excessive amounts of time scrolling through their social media feeds, leading to a loss of focus and reduced time available for studying or completing assignments. 

Constant notifications and the fear of missing out can significantly impact a student’s ability to concentrate on their studies. The need to frequently check social media updates interrupts the flow of their work and reduces their ability to engage in deep, focused learning. Even brief interruptions can have a negative impact on concentration and productivity. 

Social media often presents a carefully curated version of people’s lives, filled with achievements, vacations, and positive experiences. Constant exposure to such “perfect” content can lead students to compare themselves unfavourably, leading to lower self-esteem and reduced motivation to focus on their own academic goals. This can further contribute to a decrease in productivity and academic performance. 

Privacy and safety concerns 

While social media platforms can offer valuable opportunities for communication and collaboration, they also present certain risks that need to be addressed.  

Sharing personal details can expose them to potential risks. It is crucial for students to understand the importance of safeguarding their privacy online and being mindful of the information they share. 

Students often underestimate the long-term impact of their online presence. The content they post or engage with on social media can create a digital footprint that may have consequences for their future. Inappropriate or damaging content can affect college applications, employment opportunities, or personal relationships and make them more vulnerable to online bullying. 

Students, especially teenagers, may be entering the phase of their lives where they are exploring romantic and sexual relationships. They should be educated on understanding the signs of grooming, the dangers of speaking to strangers online and sending inappropriate images of themselves, even if it is an expiring photo on snapchat.  

 

How can schools promote responsible social media use? 

Develop comprehensive social media policies 

Schools should develop comprehensive social media policies to ensure responsible and safe use of social media platforms by students. These policies should outline clear guidelines and expectations for students regarding their online behaviour and interactions. Students and parents should be encouraged to read the policy upon enrolment.  

The policy should include guidelines for appropriate content sharing, rules against cyberbullying and harassment, instructions for protecting personal privacy, and consequences for violating the policy.  

Given the fast-paced nature of social media, policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they are relevant and tackle current issues. Establishing comprehensive social media policies, schools can create a positive digital culture that keeps students safe. 

Consider the following when developing social media policies in school: 

  • Prohibition of cyberbullying, harassment, and any form of harmful or offensive online behaviour. 
  • Clear guidelines on appropriate content sharing 
  • Emphasising respect for others’ privacy, and obtaining consent before posting pictures. 
  • Guidelines for maintaining a positive and inclusive online environment, promoting respectful and constructive communication. 
  • Consequences for violating the social media policy. 
  • Encouragement of responsible digital citizenship. 
  • Guidelines for reporting and addressing instances of cyberbullying. 
  • Prohibition of sharing explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content. 
  • Promoting self-care and responsible use of social media. 
  • Collaboration with parents and guardians to reinforce the importance of responsible social media use. 
  • Avoiding sharing the school they attend on social media. 

 

Conduct regular social media education assemblies and classes  

Schools should conduct regular social media education assemblies and classes to promote online safety and safe behaviour among students. These assemblies can feature guest speakers, presentations, and interactive discussions to address various topics surrounding social media. This includes, digital citizenship, cyberbullying, privacy settings, and the potential consequences of inappropriate online actions.  

It can also be difficult for parents to support schools in their efforts to tackle issues with social media if they don’t have the necessary knowledge. Schools should involve parents in social media education efforts.  

Hosting parent assemblies can help them understand the potential risks associated with social media use and provide guidance on promoting online safety at home. Schools should also keep in regular contact with parents, email resources and keep them up to date with any social media trends which can be dangerous.   

 

Topics to discuss in these assemblies with students and parents include: 

  • Importance of online privacy. 
  • Signs to recognise cyberbullying. 
  • Appropriate content sharing 
  • Impact of online actions on digital footprint. 
  • Identifying online scams. 
  • Identifying fake accounts 
  • Evaluating online information for accuracy and reliability. 
  • Developing critical thinking skills to navigate social media. 
  • Strategies for managing screen time. 
  • Building positive online relationships. 
  • Online etiquette and respectful communication. 
  • Promoting empathy and understanding in online interactions 
  • Encouraging reporting mechanisms for inappropriate online behaviour. 

Policies for reporting and addressing inappropriate content promptly 

Schools should have a policy in place for students to confide in teachers and staff members about if they are experiencing cyberbullying or dealing with any social media issues, whether that be procrastination, addiction to social media or they have seen something upsetting.  

Policies should also extend to parents who want to address any concerns or need support with monitoring and keeping up to date with social media.  

 

Shawmind has a mission to improve teen’s and children’s mental health across the nation. We want to provide early intervention to prevent a further mental health crisis. If you want to support Headucation, please donate or choose to do one of our mental health courses. Alternatively, you can book Headucation for your school.  

 

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The Impact of Technology on Children’s Mental Health: How to Limit Screen Time

As our society becomes more reliant on technology, it is important that carers and parents control the amount of time children and young people spend using screens. 

Recent studies have shown: 

  • 30% of children and teens who used the internet for over 3 hours a day were diagnosed with depression. 
  • Excess screen time inhibits young children’s ability to read faces and learn social skills, two key factors needed to develop empathy. 
  • Children with more than one hour of daily screen time were more likely to be vulnerable in all five developmental health domains: physical health and wellbeing, confidence, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development and communication skills compared to children reporting up to one hour of screen time/day.   

It is important that children’s time spent using technology is limited, and it is the responsibility of parents and carers to reinforce rules. This is to ensure that young people’s mental health is cared for to prevent mental illness and mental health problems following them from childhood to adulthood. 

Shawmind aims to support the mental health of children from an early age to equip them with the skills they need to build resilience and look after their own and others’ mental health. If you want to know more about supporting children’s mental health, read on.  

Understanding the Impact of Technology on Children’s Mental Health 

What are the positive aspects of technology for children? 

Before we address the negative aspects of technology on children and teens mental health, it is important to understand some of the positive impacts of technology and how it can be used as a tool for good. 

Technology can be used as a learning tool. With endless resources and information, any topic to want to learn about can be studied using the internet. 

Platforms such as YouTube offer various tools to encourage children to explore their creative side, including art, composing music, and designing video games. 

Also, due to the globalisation of the internet, technology allows children to foster a global awareness and cultural understanding. They can engage in virtual tours, explore other cultures and connect with people across the world.  

Finally, it is important to understand that technology is here to stay. Although many aspects of a technology-reliant future seem scary, future careers will require candidates to be proficient in today’s emerging technologies. 

What are the negative impacts of technology on children? 

Sedentary lifestyle 

Excessive screen time can lead to reduced physical activity which increases the risk of obesity and other disorders. Excessive screen time as opposed to playing outdoors, socialising with friends and partaking in activities can also hinder cognitive development.  

Sleep disturbances and fatigue 

The blue light emitted by screens and the engaging nature of technology can disrupt children’s sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep and fatigue during the day. This can impact their overall well-being and cognitive functioning. 

Impaired social skills and relationships 

Spending excessive time on screens can hinder the development of social skills, such as face-to-face communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence. It may lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends. This can negatively impact a child’s mental health.  

Unrealistic expectations 

Content on social media is specifically curated to appeal to our senses, promote an ideal lifestyle and develop insecurities to sell products. This can impact the way children and teens see their life and their bodies. Constant exposure to “perfect” content can cause self-esteem issues, which can lead to eating disorders and poor mental health. 

Reduced attention span and cognitive abilities  

Constant exposure to fast-paced digital content can decrease children’s attention span and make it challenging for them to concentrate and focus on tasks that require sustained attention. This can impact their academic studies and their ability to find enjoyment in non-technology based activities.  

Risk of online dangers and cyberbullying 

Excessive technology and social media usage increases the exposure to online dangers. This includes inappropriate adult content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Children may become victims of harassment or engage in risky social media without proper guidance. 

Impaired academic performance 

Excessive technology usage can negatively impact academic performance as it can distract children and teens during study time.  

Dependency and addiction 

Excessive use of technology can lead to dependency and addiction-like behaviours, where children feel a compulsive need to be constantly connected to screens. This can result in withdrawal symptoms when technology use is restricted and difficulty in self-regulating screen time. 

Vision problems 

Staring at a screen for too long can negatively impact the health of our eyes, especially during the developmental stages of children and young people. Children are at risk of developing digital eye strain and short sightedness with excessive screen time.  

The Role of Parents and Caregivers in Monitoring Children’s Technology Usage 

Setting healthy boundaries for screen time 

As a parent or guardian, it is important to set healthy boundaries with technology. We encourage you to establish these boundaries as early as possible in your child’s life to get them accustomed to the healthy boundaries. However, it’s never too late! 

  • Establish age-appropriate guidelines for screen time limits. 
  • Create a technology use plan with specific rules and routines. 
  • Enforce the guidelines consistently. 
  • Encourage alternative activities beyond screens. 
  • Provide access to books, art supplies, and outdoor spaces. 
  • Be present and actively engage in quality family interactions. 
  • Regularly reassess boundaries as children grow. 
  • Maintain open communication. 

Encouraging alternative activities and hobbies 

Children get bored, so rather than waiting for them to reach out for that iPad, consider encouraging these alternative activities to technology usage. 

  • Engage in outdoor play. 
  • Encourage reading books 
  • Foster imaginative play. 
  • Encourage arts and crafts. 
  • Promote board games and puzzles for cognitive stimulation. 
  • Encourage participation in sports. 
  • Support musical activities. 
  • Engage in nature exploration and gardening. 

Leading by example 

Children model the behaviour of their parents or adults in their lives. It is also important for adults to limit their screen time, especially in front of children and teens. Show them how to have fun without technology! 

How much screen time is considered appropriate for children? 

It is important to follow expert guidelines when setting screen time limits for your child.  

  • Under 2 years old: Children under 2 should have zero screen time, except for limited video phone calls with family or friends. This is the perfect opportunity to foster interests and hobbies with your child without technology. 
  • 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day accompanied by a parent, carer or sibling. 
  • 5-17 years old: No more than two hours per day. This doesn’t include homework.  

Are certain types of screen activities more detrimental than others? 

As mentioned earlier, technology can often be a force for good. Educational content that is age appropriate can be beneficial to cognitive development in moderation, such as YouTube educational content and education TV shows. However, some screen activities like social media can be dangerous, and should be limited.  

Parents should always monitor the amount of time children are spending on technology no matter the content being consumed. 

 

Shawmind has a mission to improve children and teen’s mental health across the nation. We want to provide early intervention to prevent a further mental health crisis. Do you want to support Headucation in schools? Please donate or choose to do one of our mental health courses. Alternatively, you can book Headucation for your school.  

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10 Ways to Support a Young Carer in Your School This Carers Week

Shawmind is on a mission to raise the levels of mental health awareness and understanding in schools. This Carers Week, we want to raise awareness and highlight the challenges young carers may experience, and how schools can offer effective support. 

Reports estimate that there are around 800,000 young carers in the UK. We want to help schools provide effective support for the mental health, wellbeing and education of children and especially young carers across the UK. 

If you want to support the mental health of young carers in your school, find out more about Headucation. 

Identifying young carers in the school  

Before implementing practices to support young carers in your school, it’s important to identify who they are. Your school should have a system in place to identify who the young carers are so they can be offered the proper support they need.  

Some signs someone may have caring responsibilities to look out for include:  

  • Regular lateness 
  • Change in hygiene/appearance  
  • Change in behaviour – becoming aggressive or angry, withdrawn or quieter 
  • Tiredness 
  • Low attention span  
  • Lack of motivation 
  • Low attendance  
  • Not completing homework 
  • Feelings of anxiety 
  • Parent/guardian uses disabled parking space  
  • Lack of parent/guardian attendance to parents evening/other school events  
  • On pupil premium/free school meals  
  • Low mood/mental ill-health  

If teachers or staff notice the above signs, it is an indication that the child needs to have a meeting with the young person to get to the bottom of the issue.  

Building awareness and understanding 

Supporting young carers starts by building awareness and understanding of their circumstances. It is important to highlight what a young carer is, what their responsibilities are and how this may have an impact on their education and mental health.  

This way, staff and teachers are fully equipped with the knowledge of what a young carer is so they can provide the necessary support. Students should also be aware of what a young carer is so they can provide support to their peers. 

Providing emotional support 

Being a young carer can be an emotionally difficult and isolating experience. Many young people across the country are juggling being a carer with their social lives and educational responsibilities. This can have a significant impact on their mental health, and it is important to consider their wellbeing from a holistic lens.  

Schools should implement support and counselling services like Headucation, or groups for the young carers in their school. They should have at least one trusted, dedicated staff member who they can confide in and express themselves to.  

It is also worth setting up a club for the young carers in the school to meet up regularly, so they can find solace in individuals who are experiencing the same struggles as them and avoid being lonely. This is important for them, as many young carers often neglect their social lives, which can impact their mental health. Also, they can support each other emotionally and develop meaningful friendships, develop resilience and learn new skills.  

Academic support and flexible learning 

Young carers may often neglect their education due to their carer responsibilities. If teachers notice a decline or plateau in academic performance, it is important to provide academic support to help them through their challenges. This could include:  

  • Flexible deadlines and homework extensions 
  • Individualised learning plans 
  • Regular communication and check-ins 
  • Additional academic support and resources 
  • Homework clubs and study groups 
  • Academic mentoring 
  • Time management skills 
  • In-class support and accommodations 
  • Liaising with support services 
  • Celebrating achievements 

This can significantly help a young carer with their academic responsibilities. It is also important to have regular check-ins to keep up-to-date with their lives and tailor the support accordingly.  

Collaboration with carer support organisations 

It is important to recognise when your institution needs professional advice and guidance when it comes to supporting your carers. There are many organisations and charities that can support you and provide advice so you can take the right steps when providing a young carer with support.  

You could speak to your local council to find any local carer support organisations, and remain in consistent contact so they can keep up to date with your school, and you can keep your school’s wellbeing policy up to date.  

Providing respite and relaxation opportunities 

It is important to highlight the challenges young carers face and recognise their struggles. Where most young people finish school and go home to a place of relaxation, young carers may have a long list of duties that are waiting for them when they come home. Being constantly mentally and physically active can impact their mental wellbeing, leading to fatigue and exhaustion, compounded by the demands made of them emotionally by the adults in their care.  

It is important for schools to support the mental health and wellbeing of young carers, and provide the opportunity for respite and relaxation if they feel they are physically or mentally exhausted. Teachers should be trained to recognise signs of exhaustion and offer relaxation opportunities and mental health days.  

Young carers who need a break could be taken out of non-compulsory classes or provided with time to relax with a book in the library or take a peaceful walk on the playground with the supervision of a staff member. This can help them unwind and recuperate in time for their more important lessons.  

Young carers should also be taught how to practise self-care, prioritise their wellbeing and stress management techniques such as mindfulness practices, so that they can use it when they are at home. This ensures that they are looking after themselves and building resilience.  

Engaging with parents and guardians 

Schools should be in regular contact with the parents or guardians of young carers, and understand any home circumstances that could impact them, or raise a safeguarding concern if warranted. Regular contact allows for schools to tailor the support and care they offer each young carer to ensure they are making their lives as easy as possible.  

Schools should also regularly update parents or guardians on the support they are providing, and offer any resources or information to parents that can support the young carer.  

Addressing attendance and punctuality issues 

Young carers can often have a hard time being punctual or attending school. This can be due to their carer responsibilities overtaking their time, or their exhaustion from an irregular sleep schedule due to nights of caring. 

Schools should implement strategies to address attendance and punctuality challenges some young carers may have. They should also do welfare checks on any absences to ensure the child is okay, and offer any support, or raise a safeguarding concern if appropriate. If a child is absent frequently, entice them to come to school by offering relaxed learning techniques, as they may not realise they need a break from being at home.  

Evaluation and continuous improvement 

Schools should regularly reflect on the effectiveness of their support strategies and implement any necessary changes or alterations if aspects of the strategies aren’t working as effectively as they should. 

Collecting feedback from young carers within the school will allow schools to adapt accordingly and implement necessary changes, ultimately supporting the wellbeing and educational needs of the young carers.  

Celebrating and recognising young carers 

This carers week, celebrate and recognise the achievements, resilience and challenges young carers face. It is important to recognise their contributions and selflessness as they care for their families and communities.  

Recognition of the contributions they make can uplift their spirits, boost their self-esteem and make them feel valued by their community.  

  

Shawmind has a mission to improve children and teen’s mental health across the nation. We provide early intervention to prevent a further mental health crisis in the next generation. If you want to support Headucation, please donate or choose to do one of our mental health courses. Alternatively, you can book Headucation for your school.  

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How to Encourage Positive Behaviour on Social Media for Children

Just like how you teach children how to behave in school or in public, teaching them how to behave online is no different. Our lives have become increasingly digitised, and online etiquette is becoming more and more important. Research shows that 87% of teens are active users of social media.  

As part of our mission to raise awareness for young people’s mental health problems through our Headucation classes in schools, we want to equip parents with the skills and knowledge they need to educate children and young people on how to act positively on social media.  

This article will be discussing how parents can play an active role in teaching their children how to act positively on social media.  

 

Respecting opinions 

In the past, we were limited to the opinions of our social group and the discourse of our local community. With the rise of the internet, we are more connected than ever before. We have access to opinions from people from every corner of the globe.  

Although this can be a force for good, it requires a level of maturity to respect other people’s opinions, respond to disagreements critically or keep scrolling if you disagree. 

Respecting others’ opinions means acknowledging that people have different views, beliefs, and perspectives on various issues. It also means recognising that everyone has the right to express their opinions without fear of being ridiculed or attacked. 

It is important that we teach children about the diversity that exists on the internet, and how she should respect people’s opinions without being rude or disrespectful.  

 

Encourage empathy and understanding 

Encouraging empathy and understanding is another vital aspect of positive online behaviour. This means helping your children put themselves in other people’s shoes and understand how their words and actions can impact others.  

Children can often forget about the fact that on the other side of the interaction is another human being. The shield of anonymity that digital interactions have can be a slippery slope into bullying and rude behaviour. 

It is important to foster empathy so they learn early on about proper internet etiquette.  

 

Educate them on cyberbullying 

Many children may not be aware of the harmful impacts of cyberbullying. Although many parents teach the protocol for if they feel they are a victim of cyberbullying, many parents forget to teach their children not to cyberbully others. 

It is important that the conversation on cyberbullying goes both ways. This way not only are they protected, but other children are protected too. This also teaches them about empathy and respect for others online.  

 

Encourage them to share positive and uplifting content 

Social media can be a cause for good, and it is important to have conversations with children about how they can be a positive role model online. As a parent, it is important to monitor the type of content your child shares online, it is also important to encourage them to share positive and uplifting content. 

 

Some ideas for positive content that they can post include: 

  • Any creative work they have done 
  • Posting positive comments  
  • Sharing positive news stories 
  • Supporting positive causes 
  • Sharing photos of their pets 
  • Happy family moments 

 

Encourage them to be supportive and look out for others 

To foster a positive online community, it is important to teach children how to be supportive and encouraging of their online peers. If a friend has posted something positive, teach them how to comment something supportive.  

Similarly, if they see any negative or dangerous content, teach them how to report it and when to speak to an adult about what they have seen. This helps create an environment where children feel positive about their time on social media.  

 

Teach them how to deal with negative comments or interactions positively 

Of course, the internet won’t always be a positive environment, and it is important to equip children with the skills and knowledge on how to deal with negativity in a positive way.  

It is important to help children understand that not everyone will like them. Teach them that not everyone will like them or agree with them online, just as in real life. Help them develop a thick skin and understand that negative comments are not a reflection of their worth. 

If they feel they are being bullied online, teach them to speak to a trusted adult immediately and block any negative accounts. Similarly, teach them not to respond to negativity and this can often escalate the situation.  

 

Monitor their social media use 

It is important for parents and carers to monitor young people’s social media accounts. Make sure to check their: 

  • Comments 
  • Watch history 
  • Liked photos 
  • Followers/following list 
  • Direct messages 
  • Privacy settings 
  • Content they have uploaded 
  • Time spent on social media apps 
  • Location settings 

Encourage Offline Interactions 

Excessive social media consumption can be damaging for children’s mental health. To promote good mental health, be sure to set time limits on the amount of social media time your child is allowed per day. It is important to make sure they participate in offline activities such as sports, art classes and family time.  

 

 

 

Shawmind has a mental health awareness mission to improve children and teen’s mental health across the nation. We want to provide early intervention to prevent a further mental health crisis. If you want to support Headucation, please donate or choose to do one of our mental health courses. Alternatively, you can book Headucation for your school.  

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How to Ensure Safe Use of Social Media for Children’s Mental Health Awareness

Where once it was simply just a platform for adults to share pictures with friends, now, almost all ages have had an experience with social media at one point in their lives.  

Whether its toddlers watching YouTube, tweens on Snapchat, teens on TikTok or adults on Facebook and Instagram, social media has become an integral part of our society. 

Research shows that 87% of teens are active users of social media. With a growing child/teen demographic, it’s time for parents and teachers to equip children with the skills they need to handle social media in a responsible way.  

Evidence shows that there is a growing link between social media and depression and mental health problems. We offer Headucation in schools to improve the mental health of children. At Shawmind, we are dedicated to improving young people’s mental health, so we’ll be discussing how to ensure children are using social media safely. 

 

In this article, we will be discussing: 

  • The risks associated with social media 
  • Tips on how to use social media safely for parents and carers 
  • How to use safety settings on different social media platforms 

 

What are the risks associated with social media? 

Cyberbullying 

For as long as social media has been around, cyberbullying has been a prominent issue that impacts children on social media.  

With a digital shield of anonymity, many online bullies feel reduced responsibility, empathy and accountability when interacting with their victims.  

 

Cyberbullying comes in many different forms, including: 

  • Threatening messages 
  • Spreading rumours  
  • Creating fake profiles of someone 
  • Account hacking 
  • Hurtful comments 
  • Distribution of private photos without consent 

 

Online predators  

It may be easy to protect your child and identify predators in real life, but it can be a lot more difficult online.  

There are an estimated 500,000 active online predators each day. Many predators may use fake profiles on online chatrooms to gain a child’s trust to solicit inappropriate pictures, videos and conversation, and arrange in-person meetings to further exploit the child.  

Although this can typically be a stranger, the online groomer can be someone the child knows or has met in real life, who is pretending to be their age online. They typically target children aged 12-15, with over 50% of the victims of online sexual exploitation in that age bracket.  

 

Exposure to inappropriate content 

Although many platforms have age restrictions and content policies, young minds can still be at risk of premature exposure to adult materials. This can be anything from sexual to violent materials.  

This is concerning for children and teenagers who do not have the sexual or mental maturity to handle such content.  

 

Unrealistic aspirational content 

Aspirational content on social media refers to the highly curated and often unrealistic content that people post online to portray their lives in a positive light.  

This can include seemingly flawless bodies, beautiful people, luxurious locations, perfectly styled outfits, expensive cars and shopping trips and a cool group of friends.  

While many adults may be able to see past the glossy images, many children and young adults may struggle to accept that their life does not match up to the perfectly curated lifestyle they see some influencers living.  

This can lead to a young person having unrealistic standards of beauty, beauty, success, or happiness. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression, and can lead to serious conditions like eating disorders. 

 

Tips for parents to ensure safe social media use for their children 

Although it can be difficult to keep up with technology, as a parent, you play an important role in ensuring that your child uses social media safely.  

 

Encourage open communication between parent and child 

Parents should have an open and ongoing conversation with their child about social media use. They should discuss the risks and benefits of social media and establish clear guidelines and expectations for safe use. 

It is important to discuss the risks associated with improper social media usage. Not only is it important to educate them on how to avoid the dangers of social media, it is also important to educate them on how to be respectful to other people on social media.  

 

Parents should discuss these rules with their child: 

  • Only allow your child to sign up for social media if they meet the minimum age requirement for that platform. 
  • Ensure your child seeks your permission before registering for a social media account. 
  • Set limits on screen time. 
  • Customise privacy settings for ultimate security.  
  • Teach children not to share personal information or inappropriate content.  
  • Children should be taught not to engage in cyberbullying 
  • No meeting strangers in person: 
  • Parents should have access to their accounts and passwords. 
  • Parents should regularly check their child’s social media. 

 

Teach children how to recognise risks online 

Parents should have conversations with their child about online safety and how to recognise and respond to potential risks, such as cyberbullying or online predators.  

Children and young people should be encouraged to reach out to a trusted adult like a teacher or parent if they experience or witness any unsafe behaviour online. 

 

Educate children on their digital footprint 

It is important that parents encourage children to be mindful of their digital footprint and to think twice before posting or sharing anything online.  

They should be reminded that anything they post online can be permanent and can have long-lasting consequences. 

 

 

Establish a healthy online/offline balance 

We have to face it, society is becoming more reliant on technology, and it is important that children know how to live their lives online in the most appropriate and safest way.  

However, it is also important to educate them on the dangers of excessive social media usage. Living in the real world and experiencing new things is important for cognitive development and mood improvement. Find a healthy online/offline balance and try to do outdoor activities as much as possible.  

 

How to utilise safety features and settings on social media 

TikTok 

Restricted Mode 

This feature filters out content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Parents can enable this feature by going to the “Me” tab, selecting “Settings and Privacy,” and then choosing “Digital Wellbeing.” 

Privacy Settings 

Parents can set their child’s account to private so only approved followers can see their content. To do this, go to “Settings and Privacy,” select “Privacy and Safety,” and then turn on “Private Account.” 

Family Safety Mode 

This feature allows parents to link their own TikTok account to their child’s, giving them control over their child’s settings and screen time. 

 

Instagram 

Private Account 

Similar to TikTok, parents can set their child’s account to private so only approved followers can see their content. To do this, go to “Settings,” select “Privacy,” and then turn on “Private Account.” 

Comment Controls 

Parents can limit who can comment on their child’s posts or turn off comments altogether. To do this, go to “Settings,” select “Privacy,” and then choose “Comments.” 

Story Sharing 

Parents can control who can share their child’s story by going to “Settings,” selecting “Privacy,” and then choosing “Story.” 

 

Facebook 

Privacy Settings 

Parents can set their child’s account to private, meaning only approved friends can see their content. To do this, go to “Settings,” select “Privacy,” and then choose “Who can see my stuff?” 

Restricted List 

Parents can add people to their child’s restricted list, meaning they won’t see their posts unless they’re public. To do this, go to the person’s profile, select “More,” and then choose “Add to Restricted List.” 

Messenger Kids 

Facebook offers a separate app called Messenger Kids, designed for children under 13. Parents can control their child’s contacts and monitor their messages. 

 

Twitter 

Privacy Settings 

You can set your child’s account to private, meaning only approved followers can see their content. To do this, go to “Settings and Privacy,” select “Privacy and Safety,” and then turn on “Protect Your Tweets.” 

Mute and Block  

You can mute or block other Twitter users to prevent them from interacting with their child’s account. To do this, go to the person’s profile, select “More,” and then choose “Mute” or “Block.” 

 

Snapchat 

Privacy Settings 

Parents can set their child’s account to private, meaning only approved friends can see their content. To do this, go to “Settings,” select “Who Can,” and then choose “My Friends.” 

Snap Map 

Parents can enable “Ghost Mode” on their child’s Snap Map, which hides their location from others. To do this, pinch the screen on the Snap Map and then select “Ghost Mode.” 

Report Abuse 

Parents can report inappropriate content or behaviour on Snapchat by pressing and holding on the person’s name or snap, selecting “More,” and then choosing “Report.” 

 

 

Shawmind has a mission to improve children and teen’s mental health across the nation. We want to provide early intervention to prevent a further mental health crisis. If you want to support Headucation, please donate or choose to do one of our mental health courses. Alternatively, you can book Headucation for your school.  

 

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Strategies for Supporting Children’s Mental Health

Mental health professionals have been pushing for mental health awareness and recognition across the UK. In 2021, it was found that 1 in every 6 children is experiencing a mental health condition. However, Shawmind is working towards providing schools and parents with the resources they need to reduce the number of children facing mental health problems.

If you’re worried about a child or you are wanting to maintain their good mental health, we will be discussing what you can do as a parent, carer or educator.

Understanding children’s mental health

Mental health is defined as a person’s overall psychological well-being. Measurements of mental health include cognitive, emotional and social functioning, including self-esteem, measurements of happiness, how the individual handles stress and more how they interact with others.

Factors that can impact children’s mental health

There are many factors that impact a child’s mental health, including:

  • Genetics
  • Environment
  • Exposure to stresses
  • Eating habits
  • Economic stance
  • Parenting
  • School environment
  • Home environment

What types of mental health problems can children experience?

Children can experience a wide range of mental health problems. Here are a few common mental health problems children may experience.

How to recognise mental health problems in children

Although many adults may find it difficult to speak about their mental health, young children are more vulnerable in society and can often find it difficult to comprehend their own mental health experiences.

Pre-teens and teens may not speak up about their mental health out of worry they may not be understood or believed. This means it is the responsibility of the adults in their life to recognise any potential signs of poor mental health.

Here are a few signs to recognise childhood mental illness.

Changes in mood or behaviour

If a child has had a sudden switch in their behaviour or mood, this could be a sign of a deeper issue.

Physical symptoms

Whether it is sudden weight loss, headaches, fatigue or stomach aches, some mental health problems can manifest into physical symptoms. Some children may also pretend to be physically ill as a way of communicating a deeper issue that they struggle to explain.

Sleep disturbances

Just like adults may struggle to sleep when experiencing anxiety, dealing with stress, depression or other mental health problems, children are the same. Sudden changes in sleeping habits can be a symptom of poor mental health.

Self-harm

One of the more obvious tell-tale signs of a mental health issue. If you detect signs of a child self-harming, this is a serious sign of a deeper mental health problem that needs immediate treatment.

Poor academic behaviour or performance

If a child’s behaviour and academic performance makes a drastic turn for the worse, it is worth investigating, as it could be a sign of poor mental health.

Changes in social habits

Sudden withdrawal from friends, family and teachers and a lack of interest in their usual hobbies and interests can be a sign of poor mental health.

Strategies for supporting children’s mental health at home

Shawmind is an early intervention charity. Our aim is to prevent people from experiencing mental health issues by raising awareness on how to create a mental health positive environment.

As a parent or carer, it is your responsibility to make sure your child’s mental health is supported in the home. Here are a few tips on how to create a safe and supportive environment for your child at home so they don’t experience mental health conditions.

Establish routines

Children feel more safe and secure when they have structure in their lives. Establish a routine for meals, bedtimes and activities. This can also improve their sleep, which can improve their mental health overall.

Open communication policy

Children should feel safe enough to express their emotions and be their true selves. Part of being a supportive parent or carer is to listen to their feelings without judgement, provide emotional support and encourage open dialogue.

Practise positive reinforcement

Recognise any key achievements and positive behaviours with praise and reward to build their self-esteem. Positive self-esteem lays the foundations for good mental health.

Encourage physical activity

Physical health has a large influence over our mental health. Physical activity can release endorphins which are good for the brain and spending time with parents/carers doing physical activities is enjoyable for children.

Limit screen time

Children should have limited access to screen time, even as teenagers. You should encourage activities such as reading, going outdoors, creative play and productive hobbies which can be positive for their mental wellbeing and self-esteem. Social media access should be limited and should be accessed in accordance with the app’s guidelines; all social media access should be monitored to ensure the child’s safety – both physically, mentally and emotionally.

Provide a balanced diet

Processed and sugary foods and drinks have been shown to negatively impact physical and mental health. Children should be provided with a balanced diet that is nutritious, healthy and appropriate for them.

Model healthy behaviours

Children need healthy role models to take after. As a parent or carer, you should model healthy behaviour such as emotional regulation, open dialogue, healthy eating habits, physical exercise, self-care and accessing professional help when you need it.

Strategies for supporting children’s mental health at school

Children and young people spend a large portion of their lives in a school environment, so it is important that schools do everything they can to ensure their environment is healthy and positive.

 

A negative school environment can cause mental health issues in children, so here are a few strategies schools can implement to improve the mental health of students.

 

A positive school environment means children are more likely to feel safe, secure, open about their feelings and comfortable expressing their personality. Schools can foster a positive environment by:

  • Promoting diversity
  • Encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities
  • Providing student leadership positions
  • Creating a culture of respect and empathy
  • Encouraging physical activity
  • Celebrating student achievements
  • Addressing bullying and discrimination promptly and effectively
  • Encouraging family and community involvement
  • Promoting respect
  • Providing access to mental health services
  • Offering mental health awareness education
  • Fostering positive relationships between students and staff
  • Establishing positive role models
  • Encouraging group activity to build relationships
  • Promoting and providing tools through which to develop resilience

Teachers and staff members should be educated on mental health so that they can work to maintain positive mental health for themselves as well as the students in the school.

Through our Headucation programme, Shawmind offers a large variety of mental health courses for schools, as well as a peer mentoring programme free of charge to schools so children and staff can be educated on mental health. You can get involved and support this programme for schools by donating today.

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Understanding children’s mental health rights in the UK

The growing issue of children’s mental health and wellbeing has become a pressing issue in the UK. 1 in 6 children aged 5 to 16 are struggling with a mental health problem.

However, mental health is still a largely stigmatised and misunderstood aspect of our society. Without proper education and mental health awareness, the issue cannot be improved.

Shawmind is an early intervention charity working towards educating young minds and young adults alike on mental health and emotional wellbeing, and how to manage them effectively.

If you’re a child, guardian, parent, teacher or anyone who works with children, and are wanting to gain an insight into the rights children have surrounding mental health, this article is a starting point on what you need to know.

What is mental health?

To understand how to manage mental health, it is important to understand what it means and what it encompasses. Mental health refers to an individual’s psychological well being, from behaviours, emotions and thoughts.

Mental health can impact how an individual perceives others and how an individual interacts with them. It also encompasses self perception and how a person views the world around them.

Mental health can also impact physical health. Stress hormones can have a physiological impact on our bodies. Poor mental health can lead to feelings of demotivation and low self esteem, which can lead to poor physical health choices. If left untreated for too long, poor mental health can lead to mental health disorders which can be more complicated to treat.

What are children’s mental health acts and rights in the UK?

The current legislation around rights and mental health in the UK sets out that children should not be discriminated against due to a mental health condition nor should they suffer abuse (either mental abuse or physical abuse that can lead to mental health conditions in the future).

Existing legislation also ensures that relevant parties are responsible for all elements of a child’s welfare and that official procedures are in place to assess and treat children with mental health conditions.

From September 2020, education around mental health was also made compulsory in schools, after a campaign spearheaded by Shawmind, then “The Shaw Mind Foundation”, in 2017.

Some current legislations that support children’s mental health are:

Schools (Mental Health and Wellbeing) Bill 2020: Amends the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010 to provide for schools to promote the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils.

Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 in England and Wales: Covers the rights of anyone regarding mental health, including young people under the age of 18.

Mental Health Act 2007: This act is an updated version of the 1983 act, making room for more safeguarding measures for children,

Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986: This is the main legislation for mental health of young persons under 18 in Northern Ireland.

Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: This legislation gives rights to people of all ages with a mental health condition and the wellbeing of children.

Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2015: This legislation is an amended version of the 2003 act.

Some other acts to consider are:

  • The Human Rights Act
  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • The Children Act
  • The Education Act

What mental health services are available in the UK?

The main service for children and young people’s mental health is CYPMHS, commonly known as CAMHS ( children and adolescent mental health services). This consists of a variety of specialists that work together within the NHS system. The systems in place can different depending on the region and the local authority.

  • Children’s mental health specialists include:
  • Nurses
  • Social workers
  • Schools and/or colleges
  • Psychologists
  • Children’s wellbeing practitioners
  • Specialist substance misuse workers
  • Occupational therapists
  • Psychological therapists
  • Education mental health therapists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Primary mental health workers

Due to the mental health crisis in children and your adults in the UK currently, the NHS has a long referral waitlist. This means that many young people can go long periods of time with poor mental health without proper support, or their parents are forced to pay for private therapy.

There are free mental health and wellbeing services in all areas of the country. Some of these services are:

  • Childline: A children and young people’s wellbeing and welfare charity. They work with anyone under the age of 19.
  • NSPCC: A charity that works in many aspects of children’s wellbeing and welfare. This includes working with families, schools and local councils to protect children from abuse.
  • Shawmind: An early intervention charity working towards educating children, young people, carers, parents and teachers about mental health through its Headucation programme.

What more can be done to improve children’s mental health in the UK?

Shawmind is an early intervention charity. This means we aim to educate young people about mental health. We aim to reduce the impact of mental health on children in the long term by reducing the number of young people in need of intense clinical support, this can take the weight off the NHS and other mental health support systems.

Early intervention reduces the impact of mental health on children in the long term and reduces the number of young people in need of intense clinical support. It can enable professional services like CAMHS to provide fast and efficient support for those who need it.

Because mental health education isn’t legally required, many schools have to pay to educate their staff and students about mental health. Our Headucation campaign is educating teachers in UK schools about mental health to equip them with the skills to support their students’ mental health.
This includes knowing the factors that put children at risk of developing poor mental health, the signs a child is struggling with mental health and resources to use when having conversations with children about mental health.
These services require funding. As a charity, we rely on donations to make sure we can provide children and young people with the mental health facilities they need to lead happy and productive lives.

We need to do more to protect children’s mental health. Help us raise funds by donating to our fundraiser, buying a product from our store or signing up for one of our mental health training courses – all proceeds will go to Headucation.

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Why mental health education in schools is so important

According to the Prince’s Trust’s Youth Index, one-quarter of young people are unable to cope with life. Report after report reveals the mental health toll exacerbated by lockdown conditions. Research has found that the first national lockdown harmed children’s mental health. If there was a mental health crisis among young people prior to the pandemic, it can only get worse now. As a result, it is critical that children receive the best possible support.  

Schools play an important role in providing assistance to children and adolescents with their mental health. We believe teachers play a crucial role in supporting children and young people’s mental health, which is why we run our Headucation programme. Headucation aims to improve the mental health of the next generation by addressing mental health in schools through a whole-school approach.   

Find out more about our headucation programme here. 

 

Why should children learn about mental health? 

1. The importance of early intervention 

Small changes in thinking and behaviour are frequently noticed by family, friends, teachers, and individuals themselves before a mental illness manifests itself fully. Learning about early warning signs and acting on them can be beneficial. 

Teaching and talking to children about mental health in an age appropriate manner, can lessen the severity of the illness and may even prevent or postpone the development of a major mental illness. Apathy, feelings of disconnection, nervousness, unusual behaviour, withdrawal, mood changes, and a drop in performance are some of the symptoms. 

 

2. Mental Health Is Equally Important as Physical Health 

We typically associate the term “health” with physical health. Physical health is extremely important in our children’s lives, and physical education has been a vital part of the curriculum for a long time. We must, however, consider our children’s mental health on the same level. We want them to live a happy and healthy life, so we must teach them to understand how mental and physical health interact. 

To live a happy life while coping with everyday stresses, we need to know how to handle our mental health. We can learn this while we are in school. Knowing the role mental health plays in their lives allows children to become happy adults. Happy, functional adults are better equipped to handle life. 

 

3. Students’ Mental Health Impacts Learning and Achievement 

Few children are aware that poor mental health can have an impact on learning and achievement. Children and adolescents who have mental health issues may struggle to learn. They may also struggle to complete tasks and concentrate. These children are also more likely to have poor academic performance and to miss school. 

Children and teens who have mental health issues are less likely to graduate. They also have a harder time attending and completing postsecondary education. 

 

4. Societal Pressures from Social Media 

When children begin using social media, they must understand mental wellbeing. Social media is extremely important in today’s world, particularly in the lives of young people. Children and teenagers can learn unhealthy ways to talk, behave, socialise, and interact on social media. 

Children’s mental health may suffer as they become more reliant on social media. Children who use social media extensively are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. If children learn about mental health in school, they will be able to make better social media decisions, lowering their chances of developing these conditions. 

 

Our children’s mental health is in crisis, and we need your help: 

We want to raise £20,000 before the end of 2022 to ensure we can support AT LEAST 3000 school children with their mental health and emotional well-being throughout 2023. 

Your donations will help us achieve this goal and change young people’s lives forever. >> 

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