Responding to the Epstein Files in School: Safeguarding, Media Literacy and Pupil Wellbeing 

What is the webinar about?

The recent release and renewed circulation of material linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case has led to a surge of distressing content across social media platforms. Many children and young people are encountering this material - often without context, warnings, or adult support - leaving educators to manage the emotional and safeguarding impact in real time. 

This timely webinar supports educators, school leaders, and pastoral teams in responding to the Epstein files and similar high-profile, exploitative news stories in a way that prioritises pupil safety, emotional wellbeing, and professional boundaries. 

Rather than focusing on graphic detail or speculation, the session offers a trauma-informed framework for: 

• Deciding whether and how to acknowledge high profile exploitative news stories in school settings
• Creating safe or “brave” spaces for questions without amplifying harm
• Addressing misinformation, rumours, and online content students may already have seen
• Recognising signs of distress, re-traumatisation, or withdrawal
• Protecting staff wellbeing when the topic feels personally or professionally overwhelming
• Honouring parent and carer perspectives and aspects to consider when communicating around these issues
  

The webinar will not include explicit material or detailed discussion of abuse. Instead, it centres on critical thinking, emotional regulation, and practical strategies educators can use immediately. Suitable for professionals working with children and young people across primary, secondary, and post-16 settings.