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NSPCC Learning has published new research on parents’ and carers’ knowledge of the online blackmail of children and young people. 

Based on a survey of 2,558 UK parents and carers, the report explores knowledge of online blackmail, steps taken to keep children safe, and information and support needs.

 Findings include: 1 in 10 parents and carers have supported their child with online blackmail; most parents and carers feel responsible for protecting their children from online blackmail but face challenges in talking to or supporting their child; and two thirds of parents and carers think the government and technology companies are ineffective in preventing online blackmail. 

Social media is reshaping how children and young people consume news, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Internetmatters.org have some really key information about supporting your child to navigate misinformation and disinformation online - but crucially a guide for parents to help you support your child with this.

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Since the pandemic, we've seen school absence rates rise. Before COVID-19, the overall absence rate was 4.7%. This jumped to 7.6% in 2021/22 before falling to 7.1% in 2023/24. Indicative figures from the daily data shows a further decrease to 6.9% in 24/25.

Why does this matter? Read the Department for Education's article here

Updates for KCSIE 2025

These include:

• the DfE's Working together to improve school attendance is now statutory guidance
• changes to the list of content risks under online safety, adding in disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories
• more information on the DfE guidance on generative artificial intelligence (AI)
• additional information on, and clarity around, alternative provision guidance
• clarity on Virtual School Heads and their non-statutory responsibilities around children in kinship care.