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The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio has today published the findings of the island’s first comprehensive survey into young people’s internet and social media use, drawing on responses from 225 pupils between the ages of 8–18 across primary and secondary schools.
The first publication focuses specifically on children aged 8–11, providing insight into how they use technology, social media and the internet, while highlighting the importance of helping children develop positive and safe digital habits.
Further findings will be published over the coming weeks, with the second publication focusing on young people aged 11–18, followed by a final publication bringing together the findings from across the full 8–18 age range.
The use of technology and the internet is now a routine part of childhood, providing opportunities for learning, creativity, entertainment, communication and staying connected with friends and family.
In response to the growing role of the digital world in the lives of children and young people on St Helena, the multi-agency Digital Literacy and Boundaries Group has spent the past six months working to better understand how children and young people use the internet and social media.
The Digital Literacy and Boundaries Group brings together representatives from education, safeguarding, health, policing, Youth Parliament and other community partners. Its aim is to better understand children’s digital lives, consider the evidence, and identify both the opportunities and challenges they encounter online. This work will help ensure that children, young people and families have the knowledge, confidence and support they need to use technology positively and safely.
The survey found that 95% of children have access to the internet at home, while almost three quarters already use a smartphone to access the internet. YouTube is by far the most popular online platform, followed by TikTok, Snapchat and WhatsApp.
The survey also provides an important opportunity to understand some of the experiences children are having online. Around one in three children said they had either been contacted by someone they did not know online or were unsure whether someone approaching them was a stranger. A further 9% reported experiencing cyberbullying.
While these findings are significant, they should be considered alongside the positive aspects of children’s online experiences. They also provide valuable information about where children may benefit from further guidance and support as they become increasingly confident users of technology.
Encouragingly, seven in ten children said they would speak to a parent if something online worried them. This suggests that many children already see their parents and carers as s trusted source of support. Keeping these conversations open can help children feel confident to ask questions, seek support and talk through experiences they may encounter online.
Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Officer and member of theDigital Literacy and Boundaries Group, Gareth Drabble, commented:
“Social media use and online gaming in and of themselves are not the enemy, but they must be used in a way that ensures our children’s safety and is in balance with the rest of their lives. Digital safety is no longer just a school issue or a home issue; it is a community responsibility and one that we all have a part to play in.”
Next Steps and Community Action
These findings provide valuable insight into the online experiences of children on the island. They also reinforce the importance of helping children develop the skills and confidence to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. The focus is not on removing children from the digital world, but on supporting them to become confident, responsible and informed users of it.
Over the coming academic year, the Digital Literacy and Boundaries Group will deliver practical workshops for parents focusing on privacy settings, gaming safety, and parental controls. These will run alongside school assemblies, Youth Parliament debates, and community events.
Parents seeking immediate advice can access free resources via Internet Matters, NSPCC Online Safety, Childnet, and the UK Safer Internet Centre.
Children can often adapt quickly to new technology. However, digital confidence is not the same as digital understanding. By continuing to learn alongside children, asking questions, setting age-appropriate boundaries and keeping conversations open, parents and carers can help children make positive and informed choices online.
Digital safety is not about reducing the opportunities that technology provides. It is about working together to ensure children are equipped to benefit from those opportunities confidently, positively and safely.
To view the results of the survey, please click the link at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/08/Children-Young-Peoples-Social-Media-Use-Findings-Primary-Schools.pdf
#StHelena #OnlineSafety #AltogetherBetterfortheSafetyofChildrenandYoungPeople
The Forestry Section of Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), working in collaboration with the Properties Section of the Economic Development Portfolio, advises the public that tree topping works will commence at Castle Gardens on Monday, 24 August 2026, and are provisionally scheduled to conclude on Friday, 28 August 2026. Works will take place daily between 09:00 and 15:00.
The works will focus on the tree nearest the Public Library. To facilitate the use of the SHG crane, the area from the main entrance to the work site will be closed to the public during working hours. Castle Gardens main entrance will, however, be open between 12:00 to 13:00 each day for both vehicular and pedestrian access.
Outside of this time, entry to residential properties and businesses will be via the terrace. Notices will be displayed at the Castle Gardens entrance to advise the public of access arrangements.
Emergency Services will retain access throughout the duration of the works.
For safety reasons, the pond and fountain area will be closed to the public. To protect the fish from falling debris, the pond will be screened and covered during the works.
In collaboration with business owners, NGOs, and SHG, additional machinery will be used to expedite the works. A woodchipper will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, and provisionally Thursday (pending completion of court proceedings) from 13:00 to 15:00, and on Friday from 09:00 to 10:00 and again from 14:00 to 15:00. The Forestry Section apologises for any inconvenience caused by noise during this period and thanks the public for their patience and cooperation.
St Helena has been shortlisted in three categories across two prominent travel awards, and the public can support St Helena by voting for the island in each category.
The island is a finalist in two Family Traveller Awards categories, as well as shortlisted in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026 for the second consecutive year.
Family Traveller Awards 2026
The Family Traveller Awards celebrate destinations and travel services that provide outstanding experiences for families. St Helena is a finalist in two categories:
- Adventure Family Destination
- Emerging Family Destination.
The shortlist was selected by an expert panel of family travel journalists, with the final winners now being determined through public voting.
St Helena’s inclusion in both categories recognises the island’s potential as a family-friendly destination, particularly for families seeking unique experiences, outdoor adventure, and somewhere beyond the traditional holiday destinations.
Voting is open now until 27 August 2026, with winners to be announced on 11 September 2026.
You can vote for St Helena in both categories at: https://awards-voting.familytraveller.com/
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026
For the second consecutive year, St Helena has been shortlisted for the ‘Most Desirable Island – Worldwide’ category of the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026.
The shortlisting reflects St Helena’s growing appeal as a distinctive and authentic destination, where visitors can experience the island’s unique natural environment, history, heritage, and culture.
Tourism Manager, Dianne Venning, commented:
“For St Helena to be nominated as the Most Desirable Islandis an incredible achievement and will raise our destination awareness at an international level.
With travellers seeking an authentic and meaningful experience, from our rich history and heritage to our unspoilt natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes and warm welcome, St Helena offers an experience unlike anywhere else.
We encourage everyone who has discovered, experienced or been touched by St Helena, whether through travel, a meaningful connection or have an inspiration to visit, to cast their vote and help showcase our unique and unforgettable island to the world.”
Voting is open now until 27October 2026, with the winners of the 25th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards to be announced in London on 4 November 2026.
When voting, select ‘Saint Helena’ in the ‘Most Desirable Island – Worldwide’ category.
You can vote at: https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/about-us/our-awards/2026-wanderlust-travel-awards/
Vote for St Helena
- Vote in both Adventure and Emerging Family Traveller Awards categories by Thursday 27 August 2026: https://awards-voting.familytraveller.com/
- Vote for “Saint Helena” in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards by Tuesday 27 October 2026: https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/about-us/our-awards/2026-wanderlust-travel-awards/
- Please share the voting links and encourage others to support St Helena.
Whether you live on St Helena, have visited, or simply want to support the island, you are encouraged to take part. Every vote helps raise St Helena’s profile internationally and promote it as a distinctive, desirable and memorable place to visit.
#StHelena #Tourism #TravelAwards
The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP) Portfolio wishes to advise that a small consignment of Dekalb Amberlink chicks will be available for sale from September 2026.
Persons interested in purchasing chicks are required to complete an application form, which will be available from the ENRP Reception at Scotland.
The closing date for applications is 16:00 on 26 August 2026.
For further information, please contact the Livestock Services Officer, Ken Henry, on telephone 24724 or via email at ken.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh.
SHG
17 August 2026
Following the fuel-price changes introduced on Friday, 7 August 2026, St Helena Government (SHG) is providing further information on how the new prices were calculated and what caused the increase.
The pump price of diesel increased by 16p, from £2.07 to £2.23 per litre, while petrol increased by 2p, from £2.02 to £2.04 per litre.
These are the first changes to fuel prices since March 2024.The increases reflect higher overseas fuel and delivery costs following the latest shipment, received at the end of July 2026. SHG customs duty, the Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) wholesale mark-up and the on-island retail mark-up have not increased. SHG recognises that changes in fuel prices affect household and business costs and may have wider consequences across the island’s economy. The following information is provided to explain the factors behind the new prices and distinguish between costs determined overseas and those managed locally.
How fuel prices are calculated
SHG use a long-standing, pre-agreed pricing model. Diesel and petrol are priced separately, with no cross-subsidy between them.
The model takes account of:
- the cost of purchasing the fuel;
- transportation to St Helena;
- exchange-rate movements;
- import duty;
- the cost of operating the BFI; and
- the retail cost of providing fuel at the pump.
A stock adjustment is also applied to the wholesale price because fuel already held on the island was purchased at a different price from the fuel received in the latest shipment.
Import costs are also affected by exchange-rate movements, as fuel is purchased in Namibian dollars and freight is paid in US dollars.
Understanding the cost breakdown
Landed cost: The cost of purchasing the fuel and transporting it to St Helena.
SHG fixed customs duty: Tax revenue collected by SHG to help fund essential government services.
BFI wholesale mark-up: The mark-up used to cover BFI operating costs, including staff, on-island fuel distribution, repairs, maintenance, management and administration.
On-island retail mark-up: The mark-up charged by retailers to cover the cost of operating petrol and diesel pumps for customers.
Diesel price breakdown
| Diesel | Before July 2026 Shipment | After July 2026 Shipment | Cost Change (£) | Percentage Change (%) |
| Landed cost | 1.15 | 1.31 | 0.16 | 13.9% |
| SHG fixed customs duty | 0.39 | 0.39 | – | – |
| BFI wholesale mark-up | 0.21 | 0.21 | – | – |
| On-island retail mark-up | 0.32 | 0.32 | – | – |
| Pump price per litre | 2.07 | 2.23 | 0.16 | 7.7% |
Petrol price breakdown
| Petrol | Before July 2026 Shipment | After July 2026 Shipment | Cost Change (£) | Percentage Change (%) |
| Landed cost | 1.13 | 1.15 | 0.02 | 1.8% |
| SHG fixed customs duty | 0.39 | 0.39 | – | – |
| BFI wholesale mark-up | 0.18 | 0.18 | – | – |
| On-island retail mark-up | 0.32 | 0.32 | – | – |
| Pump price per litre | 2.02 | 2.04 | 0.02 | 1.0% |
The breakdowns show that the increase in fuel costs is due only to higher landed fuel costs from overseas suppliers and delivery costs. SHG customs duty, the BFI wholesale mark-up and the on-island retail mark-up remained unchanged for both diesel and petrol.
Solomon’s has also applied a lower mark-up than it is contractually entitled to, helping to keep the retail prices paid by consumers lower than they would have otherwise been.
The recent refurbishment of three large diesel tanks in Rupert’s has increased storage capacity. The additional capacity has also helped reduce costs as the delivery costs are spread over a larger parcel of fuel.
SHG will continue working with Solomon’s to secure future fuel shipments at the best available price. SHG will also continue to manage the costs that it can control locally.
#StHelena #StHelenaGovernment #FuelPrices
Following completion of the essential tree surgery works, the section of road from the Connect Office, along Carnarvon Court, to the Brow in Jamestown is now open to the public.
All temporary access restrictions have been lifted, and vehicles and pedestrians may use the road as normal.
The Forestry Section thanks residents and the wider public for their patience, understanding and cooperation while the works were carried out.
St Helena Government (SHG) advises the public that there is limited time remaining to receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination and to register for the influenza (flu) vaccine planned for later this year. Members of the public who are interested and have not yet received their MMR vaccination, or who wish to receive the influenza vaccine, are encouraged to take action before the relevant deadlines.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination
The MMR vaccination stock, donated by the UK Health Security Agency, will expire 30 September 2026. Notably, the first and second doses must be given at least 28 days apart. Therefore, anyone yet to receive either their first or second dose of the MMR vaccine are encouraged to attend either a routine community health clinic or enquire at the Hospital Pharmacy on Tel: 25867.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio are pleased to report that over 3,300 doses of the vaccine were administered through the MMR adult catch-up vaccination campaign since April 2026. The portfolio would like to thank those who came forward to receive their vaccines; helping to protect themselves and their communities against dangerous infections.
Register your interest for influenza vaccines
The Health and Social Care Portfolio are now able to purchase influenza (flu) vaccines on behalf of eligible members of the public who are interested in receiving one. As these vaccines come at a considerable cost to SHG, only individuals who register their interest by 20 August 2026 will be guaranteed a dose of the vaccine.
Interested persons can contact the Health Promotion team on Tel: 25949 or via email: healthpromotion@sainthelena.gov.uk
Individuals in the following categories are encouraged to register their interest:
- Over the age of 65 years
- People with an underlying medical condition
- The main carer of an older or disabled person
- Currently living with someone with lowered immunity
Online registration is also available by scanning the QR code below or by directly accessing the form at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/shflu
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the completion of the R2 Project: Rehabilitation of Side Path and Field Road.
The £4.4 million project forms part of the £70 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government.
Work began in 2020 and involved removing the old road surface, widening both roads, replacing the sub-base and resurfacing Side Path and Field Road with concrete. Additional safety features, including crash barriers and gabions, were also installed on Field Road. These works have made both roads safer, more durable and more accessible, supporting the new cargo handling facility in Ruperts.
The Side Path works were delivered through three separate contracts, while the Field Road works were delivered under a single contract. Practical completion of the final Side Path contract and the Field Road contract was achieved in November 2024, following completion of the junction connecting the two roads. Final completion certificates for both roads were issued in November 2025.
The final phase of the project involved installing permanent safety netting above the junction of Side Path and Field Road. Temporary green netting was in place while the permanent netting was procured. Installation commenced on 13 July 2026 and was completed on 4 August 2026, bringing the overall project to a successful conclusion.
The successful delivery of this major infrastructure project reflects the hard work, commitment and dedication of everyone involved in bringing the works to completion.
SHG extends its sincere thanks to all those who helped deliver the project. Special recognition is given to Isaac’s Contractors for undertaking the major roadworks and to S. Doy Construction for completing the final phase of the project: the installation of the safety netting.
SHG also thanks members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures, interruptions and delays experienced while the works were carried out.
Photos:
Side Path Road
Before:
After:
Field Road:
Before
After
Junction:
HM Customs & Immigration Services advises the public that due to the arrival of the delayed Airlink flight, consolidated sea freight cargo would not be issued today, Monday 10 August 2026 from Liberation House in Ruperts. The closure includes the public counter and the cash counter at Liberation House.
The closure will not affect the release of merchant cargo which will continue as normal. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 from 09:00 to 16:00.
In the event of an emergency, officers can be contacted on the following numbers:
Customs & Immigration Office, Liberation House – +290 22287
Customs matters – +290 67652
Immigration matters – +290 51442
The public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel took place on Wednesday 15 July 2026.
A recording of this meeting, which was also live-streamed, is now available for viewing via the SHG YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638.
The report summary can be found on the SHG Website: The Royal St Helena Police Service | St Helena Government.
Printed versions of the report summary and the full report are now available to read at the Library and the Customer Service Centre in Jamestown.
For more information, please contact the Temporary Director of Police, Julian Pezzani, by telephone on (+290) 22626 or by email through julian.pezzani@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #RSHP #PoliceandCrimePanel