Our safeguarding trainer, Latoya Maynard has kindly put together some case studies which enable us to share a different insight as to why preventative measures are necessary and early intervention is needed.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Year 10 Female (academically able) created a fake social media account which was used to befriend
children to later obtain and distribute child pornography (nude pictures) of children within the school to others. Year 10 Female admitted her part and named the other students involved.
CHALLENGES, IMPACT AND OBJECTIVES:
● Child pornography should not be viewed by staff
● Multiple children / students impacted
● Safety of children who have sent and received pictures
To stop the circulation of the images, educate all those involved of the dangers, and support the ‘victims’. Understand why Year 10 Female had taken part in such an act.
HOW THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CASE HELPED ARRIVE AT THE SOLUTION:
First known case of distribution of child pornograpy within the school - Headteacher took charge of case and made overall decision without input from pastoral team once Police had closed investigation.
*Sanction was seen as lenient which lead to a significant negative impact among staff and students who did not agree with the overall decision.
OUTCOME:
FTE - 3 days. Gradual reintegration to the year group and restorative justice work completed with two consenting victims.
Complex case involving Police investigation which progressed to closure due to the age of perpetrators and context of ‘catfishing as a joke which went too far’ rather than for a malicious purpose.
SUPPORTING GUIDANCE, CASE LAW, VISUALS AND QUOTES USED IN THE CASE:
Children Act
KCSIE
WTTSC
Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: advice for education settings working with children and young people
REFERRAL/RECOMMENDATION: For the client/the student/the school
Year 10 Female referrals -
● Social care - progressed to closure
● Counselling - Mother refused as Year 10 Female felt she did not need it.
Recommendations -
● School to redirect her intelligence to a productive means
● School to do more work with KS3/4 around healthy relationships