Fifteen Minutes to Save Your Child’s Life

Imagine our surprise when we were looking at the ITV news on November 20 and we spotted a familiar face.  It was Ann Robinson, Headteacher of Buttsbury Junior School, and three of her pupils, two of whom were RotaKids.  

We asked Ann about the news item, and this is what she reported.

“Tragically, in March 2022, a local child - Isaac Kenevan, aged 13 - was found unconscious by his mother Lisa.  It is believed that he took part in a dangerous online challenge. He passed away the next day.”

“Archie Battersbee, who died aged 12, is another child who tragically got caught up in a “prank or experiment,” which went wrong at home in Southend-on-Sea in April 2022.”

“Lisa, mum of Isaac, has joined forces with Hollie, mum of Archie, and they are trying to spread awareness of similar online challenges, and various potential risks children face when they’re online.”

“On 11th November, Lisa and Hollie, came to talk to the Year 5/6 parents at Buttsbury Junior School about BeChallengeAware. It was a hard-hitting talk, as both Lisa and Hollie’s teenage sons lost their lives having taken part in dangerous online challenges, but the school hopes they can help to save lives by its children being more knowledgeable and aware of the dangers of the online world.”

Mrs Robinson said that Lisa and Hollie had received such a warm welcome at Buttsbury, that when approached by ITV News they asked if they could feature Buttsbury, which is what occurred. 

“Following on from this workshop, Mrs Robinson (Headteacher) and some of the Year 6 pupils, were invited to take part in a TV news programme to promote the dangers of online challenges. They were very excited to have been selected and even more so when they appeared on the ITV news!”

“Buttsbury Junior School hopes to keep working closely with Lisa and Hollie to continue to spread their message.”