Children can often be guarded about their emotions or any difficulties theyâre experiencing This reticence can extend to chats with their parents. A study by the Office for National Statistics found that 64% of children reported regularly talking to their mum about âthings that matterâ, and even fewer (45%) held conversations of the same kind with their dad.
Itâs incredibly important, of course, for young people to have someone to confide in when theyâre confused, upset or unsure of themselves â and to know that they can do so without fear of being judged or punished. This week, our #WakeUpWednesday guide explores how to encourage open and honest discussions with children, empowering them to open up if they need help.


Dreaming of a decent nightâs sleep? Many of us are â and itâs a particularly pervasive problem for young people. Concerningly, research has suggested that around 70% of teens get less than the recommended 8â10 hoursâ sleep per night. The effects of poor-quality sleep on a developing mind, of course, can be harmful over a prolonged period.
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Although a significant portion of under-18s struggle for shut eye, there is still plenty we can do to support them in getting the beneficial rest they need during those formative years. Compiled in conjunction with our friends at award-winning mental health charity Minds Ahead, this weekâs #WakeUpWednesday guide has tips on helping children to develop healthy sleeping habits.

Young Carers Action Day: 13th March 2024 Â
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event organised by Carers Trust to raise awareness of the pressures placed on so many young people. This yearâs theme is;Â âFair Futures For Young Carersâ, highlighting how young and young adult carers are significantly less likely to undertake higher education or enter employment than their peers without a caring responsibility.
A day in the life of a young carer – BBC News – YouTube
ÂŁ10 million in sales within 10 days and 50,000 simultaneous players, The fighting game Tekken 8 has enjoyed an astounding degree of success since its release in late January. Its impressive presentation and entertaining roster of characters has struck a chord, both with long-term fans and newcomers to the Tekken series â many of whom are children and young people.Â
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Tekkenâs relative lack of gore distinguishes it from similar titles such as Mortal Kombat, making it seemingly more suitable for under-18s. Its inherent focus on violence, however, plus a highly competitive online play mode against (often older) strangers and some potentially problematic strands of the plot combine to earn it a PEGI 16 age rating. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the full story.
In April weâre also running webinars specifically to help parents and carers support children sitting exams. Please let parents know about this free session, especially if they are worried about their childâs anxiety:
Please click on these links to attend.
Barclays Equal Access for Girls
In 2019 Barclays announced the biggest ever investment into UK female sport by a brand. Barclays are the sponsor of both the Menâs Premier League and the Womenâs Super League – the top divisions of English football for both males and females.
Barclays aim to ensure that all school aged girls have equal access to football in schools as their male peers. Barclays believes in the power of football and its ability to speak to the nation and create confidence and opportunities for young people. For example, 80% of girls show more confident behaviour having played football.
In support of the Biggest Ever Football Session there will be various activities running on Friday 8th March where female students will have the opportunity to play and be involved in football.
Before school – small sided games in the sport hall from 8am-8:25am.
PE lessons – girls with PE on Friday 8th March will take part in competitive football matches on the 3G instead of their current activity.
Break time – small sided games in the sport hall from 10:45am-11am.
Barclays Biggest Ever Football Session runs on International Womenâs Day which is a day to celebrate the social, cultural, economical and political achievements of women.
Between 1921 and 1970 the FA had banned women from playing football. On International Womenâs Day it would be amazing to see as many female students as possible involved and having the opportunity to play in celebration of how far womenâs rights have come.
Girls football club takes place every Monday after school 3-3:45pm on the 3G and is open to all year groups.
If you are interested in attending (even just to try it out!) then make sure you are signed up to attend the club or see the PE team for more information.