‘Munch, Poke, Ping’ is a report which Stephen produced for the UK Government's Training and Development Agency (TDA) in 2011. The focus of the research was to consider the risks which vulnerable young people, excluded from schools and being taught in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), encounter online and through their mobile phones. The aim was to then ascertain what specific advice, support and safeguarding training staff working with these vulnerable young people need when it comes to understanding social media and mobile technology.
The research used a mixed method approach including an online survey of staff, face-to-face interviews, literature review, site visits, workshops and, perhaps most importantly, intensive focus group sessions with a small group of young people (aged 15-17) from one PRU in London. This work resulted in a film, devised and acted by the young people themselves. Modelling a very positive use of technology and involving students as co-researchers and peer-teachers to help other young people understand the risks, are two recommendations to come out of the research. As such the film (and a short documentary about how the film was created) is very much a part of the final report and should be viewed in tandem with the full report see www.carrick-davies.com/research/vulnerable-young-people/films.
The report, with its strong child-centric approach, clear recommendations and practical suggestions for the development of appropriate resources, is intended to positively support dedicated staff who undertake such important work caring for vulnerable YP in the ‘blended’ environments of education, social care, and well-being. Many of the young people they work with have mental health problems, a ‘Statement’ of special educational needs, be school-phobic or have very real emotional behavioural difficulties and the report examines the challenges that PRU’s staff face in responding to such a wide range of student’s needs.
There is also a section on difficulties of classifying what we mean as ‘vulnerable’. However, the central thrust of the report is that whilst the offline physical environments are challenging, the virtual environments these young people inhabit are equally important, challenging and potentially transformational. To serve vulnerable young people adequately, it is vital to take into consideration the ways in which they are vulnerable and at risk online. It is hoped others will discuss these findings, support the recommendations and build on the work with further research looking at the area of E-safety in policy, practice and pedagogy.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESOURCES (10 pages)
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FILMS WHICH WERE MADE AS PART OF THIS PROJECT
CLICK HERE TO READ STEPHEN'S REFLECTIONS ABOUT THIS REPORT
“ The PRUs.org.uk network of Pupil Referral Units has been pleased to support Stephen as he has undertaken this important work, and many of our members contributed to the study through the survey and workshops. We believe that this issue of the safe and positive use of social media and mobile technology is a crucial one not just for young people but all those who work in PRUs. I very much hope that the findings and recommendations in this report will be supported by Government so that staff are better equipped and able to better safeguard students in their use of technology.” Jacky Mackenzie, Secretary of PRUS.org.uk
“We have been delighted to assist Stephen as he has undertaken this important research. The way he and his team worked with and involved the young people in the research was exemplary and not only did the young people learn so much about this area of work, I know staff did too. We very much hope that others working with vulnerable young people take on board the balanced, constructive and positive recommendations from this report and that together we re-double our efforts to ensure that all children and young people, - especially vulnerable young people - are better safeguarded online.”Krishna Purbhoo,PRU Head Teacher in London.
See Stephen's Blog entry on this report here See Net Family News article about this report here See Online Youth Outreach article about this report here