Gooseberry Planet & Kidscape have put their heads together
Since 1985 Kidscape has worked with children, families and teachers to help protect children from bullying and harm. We pride ourselves on being the anti-bullying charity ‘that helps’ and we actively look for supporters and partners who can extend our reach to children and families across the UK. This is w
hy we were delighted to meet with Stella James from Gooseberry Planet and learn more about their brilliantly innovative work to keep children safe. We know children love to game and Gooseberry Planet is different in that it listens and learns from what children enjoy and want to do and uses this as a platform to share vital safety messages. When I first met with Stella we both bubbled with excitement and joy as we planned ways we could join forces to help many more schools and families deal with difficult issues. We also shared our own personal challenges as Mums trying to best help and guide our own children. Tackling bullying isn’t easy. If it was then we would have eradicated it by now and the challenges we face have changed. Now it’s not confined to the classroom but happens wherever people are – including online. It’s only by joining forces and working together that we can help all children live their best lives without fear or shame. That’s why we are proud to work with Gooseberry Planet; why you will be hearing messages from Kidscape through the Gooseberry Planet platform – and watch this space as Stella and I have got our heads together and have plans afoot! Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO Kidscape
I wanted to make sure that schools have a complete tool kit and to cover the areas that are most difficult to talk about which include grooming, sexually exploited and bullying. Bullying is very close to my heart. I was bullied badly for 3 years of my secondary school life, I never told my Mum and I kept it quiet. For me it wasn’t too bad. At the end of the school day I went home and could shut the doors on my life at school. I was safe, I was at home. I feel for young people of today there is no escape being online is one of the most important aspects of young person life and no matter what us adults say this is their way of communicating. We need to support and educate young people in blocking and talking to someone. My niece lost her close school friend to suicide. It is more tragic than words can describe to lose a child. Every parent’s nightmare. I a
m so please that we are working with Kidscape, one of the longest establish Anti Bullying Charities in the UK. It means we can both reach as many children as possible and help support families that might be experiencing being bullied.
I am incredible passionate about what I do and broadening conversations around online safety and protecting young children online. Stella James, Head Gooseberry – Gooseberry Planet
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