25 September 2026
Friday 25th September 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Growing Up Online: Navigating the Digital World Together
As parents, there are moments when we suddenly realise just how different our children’s world is from the one we grew up in.
Many of us remember spending afternoons knocking on a friend’s door to see if they were home, talking on a landline that stretched halfway across the hallway, or watching our favourite television programme at a specific time because there was no option to stream it later. Today’s young people live in a very different world. Their friendships, entertainment, learning and communication are often just a tap away.
It can feel overwhelming at times. There is a very large part of me that is glad that I grew up with this… (I did actually have a perm just like this in the 1980’s!)
As both a parent and a headteacher, I know many of us occasionally wonder whether we are keeping up. New apps appear seemingly overnight, online trends change faster than ever and artificial intelligence has moved from science fiction into everyday life in a remarkably short space of time. It is perhaps no surprise that so many parents tell us they worry about what their children might encounter online and whether they have the knowledge to guide them through it.
What reassures me, however, is that during our recent survey of families, one message came through very clearly. Parents care deeply. They want to support their children. They want to understand more. Most importantly, they want to get these conversations right.
That is why we produced our updated Parents’ Guide to Growing Up Online.
When we first created a social media guide in 2024, our aim was simple: to help families feel informed and supported. Two years later, we felt it was important to revisit the conversation. The digital world has changed considerably, but the values that underpin good parenting and good education have not.
The guide is filled with practical advice about social media, gaming, artificial intelligence, online safety and digital wellbeing. Yet, if I had to distil the entire document into one message, it would be this: relationships matter more than technology.
Our children do not need adults who know every platform, every trend or every piece of technology. They need trusted adults who are interested in their lives, who ask questions, who listen without immediately judging and who create a space where they feel safe to ask for help. In many ways, that has always been true.
Whether the challenge was friendship difficulties in the playground, worries about exams or navigating social situations, young people have always benefited from knowing there is someone in their corner. The online world is no different. Although the risks may have evolved, what children need from us remains remarkably consistent.
We were particularly encouraged to see that 93% of parents who responded to our survey said they already feel comfortable talking to their child about social media. That is something worth celebrating. It tells us that many families already have the foundations that matter most.
Of course, we also recognise the concerns parents face. Exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, misinformation, scams and online exploitation are all genuine issues. The pace at which technology develops can make it feel as though we are constantly trying to catch up. But I do not believe fear is the answer.
Technology itself is not the enemy. In fact, we see every day how technology can enrich young people’s lives. It helps them learn, create, collaborate and stay connected. It allows them to pursue interests, develop skills and discover opportunities that previous generations could never have imagined.
Our challenge is not to eliminate technology from our children’s lives. It is to help them use it wisely.
That means helping them think critically about what they see online. It means encouraging them to question information rather than simply accept it. It means helping them understand that social media often shows a carefully edited snapshot of someone’s life rather than reality. And increasingly, it means helping them understand the opportunities and responsibilities that come with artificial intelligence.
At Llanishen High School, these conversations form an important part of our wider commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing. We want our young people to leave us not only with strong academic outcomes, but with the confidence, resilience and judgement they will need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
However, schools cannot do this alone. The strongest safeguarding partnership has always been the one between school and home. When families and schools work together, sharing the same messages and supporting one another, the impact can be incredibly powerful.
That is why I would encourage every parent not to worry about having all the answers. None of us do.
Instead, stay curious. Ask your child about the games they play, the content they enjoy and the people they interact with online. Let them teach you something from time to time. Those conversations often reveal far more than we might expect. More importantly, they help build trust.
When children know they can come to us without fear of immediate punishment or criticism, they are far more likely to seek support when they genuinely need it. That trust can make all the difference.
As I reflect on the feedback we received from parents, I am incredibly grateful for the openness and honesty shown by our community. The guide is stronger because of those contributions, and it reminds me once again of the shared commitment we all have to helping our young people flourish.
Technology will continue to change. New platforms will emerge. New opportunities and new challenges will follow. But some things remain constant. Our children need guidance. They need boundaries. They need support. Most of all, they need to know that the adults in their lives are interested, available and ready to listen. If we can provide that, we will be giving them something far more powerful than any app or device could ever offer.
Please follow this link to our school website to visit our guide:
Anyone for Shakespeare?
Never let it be said that we are not a very cultured and sophisticated bunch at LHS.
Mr Wolverson and his Shakespeare Players are back for their annual adventures, and this time, it’s a comedy!
Watch this space as tickets will be available soon for 3rd and 4th February 2027.
The full cast rehearsal for first script read through has already commenced and the cast list is as follows:
Athenians:
Lysander – Lucas Bateman
Helena – Emma Brown
Demetrius – Jack Parker
Hermia – Julia Macedo
Fairy leads:
Puck -Abigail Marshal
Titania – Bobbie Nicoll
Oberon – Ashton Paul
Court:
Theseus – Hayden Watkins
Egeus – Jess clayton
Hippolyta – Faith Lydall
Philostrates- Alice Williams & Ruth Gattenburg & El Hopkins
Players:
Quince – Ellie Paton
Bottom – Elizabeth Bates
Flute – Dylan Edwards
Snout – Evan Coughlan
Starveling – India Cole-young
Snug – Ben Samuels
Bucket- Sam Harvey
Tankard – Leo Manson
Fairies:
Peaseblossom – Ava Rose
Cobweb – Leila Knowles
Moth – Seren Davies
Mustardseed – Scarlett Plant
Fairy Ensemble:
Foxglove – Ffion Coombe
Primrose – Willow McKillen
Dewdrop – Zlata Pavlovska
Clover – Tanya Ali
Dandelion- Ruby Jones
Guards of Theseus & Oberon:
Danny Allen
Jacob Griffin
Alfie Harrison
Daniel Buckley
Blake Davies
Carter Ridout
Every year, Mr Wolverson and his Shakespeare Players make Shakespeare accessible, immersive, and jaw dropping in equal measure. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Katie Gill and our Y12 Honours Group
On Wednesday afternoon, former LHS Head Girl and current student of Trinity College, Oxford, kindly gave up her time to speak to our Year 12 Honours Group about the Oxbridge application process and why they should not fear applying for the best universities in the world.
Katie talked about how she had sat where they were only a few years ago and gave some invaluable tips about how to make themselves stand out in their applications. She left her email address and assured the group that they could email her any time if they had any questions. Once an LHS student, always an LHS student! We look forward to visits from our other Oxbridge alumni in the coming months.
We are always immensely proud to welcome back former students. Their return is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, ambition and resilience. As alumni of our school, they understand the journeys our students are undertaking and can offer invaluable insight, inspiration and encouragement. Their success demonstrates that world-class opportunities are within reach for young people from Cardiff, and their stories help bring those aspirations to life.
Moments like these celebrate our community, strengthen our culture of high achievement, and inspire the next generation to aim high and believe in their potential.
Even hearing about the practicalities of moving into dorms and embracing fresher activities is reassuring. That’s before you get started on budgeting and cooking and paying BILLS!
Embrace your extra-curricular opportunities!
Finally today, it is that stage in the year when we unleash our LHS Extra-Curricular Timetable for the autumn term.
Step outside of your comfort zone. Take advantage of this fine array of free activities. We even provide an addition bus at 4pm (Tuesday to Friday) to make sure that everyone can access these activities, even if you live further afield.
Castle to Castle
Whilst on the topic of extra-curricular activities we are very proud of Mrs Rowe for completing the Castle to Castle run last weekend, Caerphilly to Cardiff, to raise precious funds for Velindre.
Rhedeg arbennig Mrs.Rowe and a personal best too!
You certainly do not look like you’ve run that distance!
It’s been a busy week and we’re four weeks in, so it’s normal for a wave of tiredness to flow through you. Rest and rejuvenate and we go again next week.
So until next time, thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher