Safeguarding information for your child

It is normal for your child to show some level of worry while they attempt in-game challenges. 

You can help them manage their worries by encouraging them to talk to you about what worries them, by listening openly, and by taking their fears seriously. Try to guide your child to support themselves rather than providing all the support they need. 

You can do this by asking open-ended questions, like: 

• “How do you feel right now?” 

• “Why do you think you feel worried?” 

• “What do you think will make you feel less worried?” 

• You can even ask them to decide how likely it is that what they worry about will really happen.

When you talk with your child, avoid giving reassurance like “It will be okay” or “That will never happen,” and try not to tell them what they should do to overcome their worry.

Your role is to help them figure out how to cope with the worry themselves and to learn that they can get through it with their own bravery and strength.

You can remind them that you’ll be there alongside them to cheer them on while they tackle their worries. 

If you notice that your child seems too worried to complete an in-game challenge, it’s ok to pause and ask them some of these questions immediately.

If they are feeling too worried to talk about it immediately, do your best to stay calm and model calming strategies, like taking a deep breath, repeating a positive mantra (like “I am strong and brave!”), or even thinking about something that makes you happy for a moment. 

Encourage your child to take a short break if they need to, but try to find a time to talk with them about their worries and to try the challenge again soon. The longer they wait to try again, the more likely that their worries will grow instead of diminish. 

If taking a few deep breaths or a short break does not help your child calm down and they or you need more support, you can contact one of the following:

- Text 'shout' to 85258 (Shout)

- Phone 0800 1111 (Childline)

- Phone 116 123 (Samaritans)

These are free phone numbers that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It is normal for your child to show some level of worry while they attempt real life challenges. Your child will likely have some difficulty confronting their fears with these challenges. You can encourage them to take each step, but be sure it is their choice to participate when they feel ready. 

You can help them manage their worries by encouraging them to talk to you about what worries them, by listening openly, and by taking their fears seriously. 

Try to guide your child to support themselves rather than providing all the support they need. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, like: 

•  “How do you feel right now?” 

• “Why do you think you feel worried?” 

• “What do you think will make you feel less worried?” 

• You can even ask them to decide how likely it is that what they worry about will really happen. 

When you talk with your child, avoid giving reassurance like “It will be okay” or “That will never happen,” and try not to tell them what they should do to overcome their worry. Your role is to help them figure out how to cope with the worry themselves and to learn that they can get through it with their own bravery and strength. You can remind them that you’ll be there alongside to cheer them on while they tackle their worries.

Some real life challenges may take place in school when you aren’t present. In these cases, it may help to talk with your child ahead of time about what they can do when they feel worried.

Some strategies to practice include:  

• Belly breathing: Put your hands on your belly, breathe in deeply through your nose, and then blow out slowly through your mouth 5 times in a row. 

• Self-hug: Squeeze your own arms or shoulders like you’re giving yourself a hug

• Positive mantra: Repeat an encouraging phrase like “I am strong and brave!”

• Thought break: Imagine being somewhere else doing something that makes you happy for a moment

If you notice that your child seems too worried to complete a real life challenge while you’re with them, it’s ok to pause and ask them some of these questions immediately. If they are feeling too worried to talk about it immediately, do your best to stay calm and model the calming strategies described above.

Encourage your child to take a short break if they need to, but try to find a time to talk with them about their worries and to try the challenge again soon. The longer they wait to try again, the more likely that their worries will grow instead of diminish.

If taking a few deep breaths or a short break does not help your child calm down and they or you need more support to reduce their anxiety quickly, you can contact one of the following:

- Text 'shout' to 85258 (Shout)

- Phone 0800 1111 (Childline)

- Phone 116 123 (Samaritans)

These are free phone numbers that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your child’s anxiety around  a real life challenge is longstanding and requires more attention, you can contact your GP to find local mental health support or speak to your child’s school about getting SENCO support.

It is crucial that you contact the right person - most likely your GP. They will help you to get specialist help. If your GP surgery is closed, their answerphone will direct you to the right place.

Call NHS 111 if you need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

In an emergency call 999, and go to A&E if urgent medical attention is needed.