Online Grooming
You can find more information about how to spot online grooming or child sexual exploitation by clicking on the following links:
- https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/online-grooming/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5LDjyJX64QIVQhbTCh12Pw9sEAAYASAAEgLMDPD_BwE
- https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/knowing-the-signs-of-child-sexual-exploitation
- https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/social-media/instagram/
- http://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/
Nude Images and Peer-on-Peer Abuse
The NSPCC have published their guidance on sharing nudes and semi-nudes. They have identified the age group 11-14s as being most in need of and education on this topic.
They have set up a UK wide dedicated helpline to support students who may have been subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour or abuse. Whether it’s happening now or it happened in the past, students can report abuse on 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. For more information click on this link – https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/report-remove/
‘So you got naked online’ is a resource that helps and advises young people who may find themselves in a situation where they (or a friend) have posted a nude image or video online and have lost control of who it’s being shared with.
Whilst there is a lot of advice around preventing these situations in the first place, it is very important to recognise that this does happen and those affected really need support and guidance. ‘So you got naked online’ provides advice and guidance that parents and carers may find useful too. So You Got Naked Online | SWGfL
Childnet have published a resource for parents of children aged 9-12, about the issue of online sexual bullying and harassment.
To find out more click on this link – Online Sexual Harassment: Advice Leaflets | Childnet
Digital Wellbeing
We need to develop our understanding of how young people use smart devices and the impact this can have on their emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Should we be limiting screen time? How can we reduce eye strain? What can we do to support healthy sleep patterns? How much do you understand about features such as the endless scroll, often used on many social media platforms, which has been attributed to internet addiction and often associated with high levels of anxiety, ADHD, depression, poor time management and impulsiveness.
The UK Safer Internet Centre has published a guide for parents and carers to help them support children and young people Click on this link to find out more Digital Wellbeing | Childnet
Friendly WiFi
The ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’ logo can be found across the high street in cafes, shops, restaurants, hotels and on public transport. Wherever you see the ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’ logo you can be assured that the public Wi-Fi offered at that venue has reached an industry recognised standard level of filtering and that access to pornography and child abuse websites, videos and images are blocked.
If filters are not placed on public Wi-Fi services, children and young people are at risk of viewing and accessing inappropriate material. This includes pornographic and child abuse imagery, websites and videos.
Watch out for Friendly Wi-Fi and have the peace of mind that your daughter is only accessing safe content when you are away from home. Find out more by clicking on this link – Online Safety Advice | Friendly WiFi
Phishing and Online Scams
Phishing is a scam where criminals typically send emails to thousands of people. These emails pretend to come from banks, credit card companies, online shops and auction sites as well as other trusted organisations. The email will often urge you to act quickly by clicking a link and entering your personal details such as bank account details or passwords. If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate contact the company directly using the information provided on an account statement or on the company’s official website.
You can also find more information at:
- https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/spam-and-scam-email/
- Guide to online scams – Social media scams advice guide to support young people – Internet Matters
Information Links
- Is your child ready for social media? – social media (thinkuknow.co.uk)
- Safety settings for social media apps – Safety Settings – Our Safety Centre
- Safety guides for social media apps – Online Safety Guides – Social Media – Our Safety Centre
- Social media privacy guides – Social Media privacy setting guide – Internet Matters
- Parental guide to TikTok – TikTok Parent Guide – OpenView Education
- Parental controls for gaming consoles and devices – https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/gaming-consoles/
- Parental controls for smartphones – https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/smartphones-and-other-devices/
- Parental controls for broadband and mobile networks – https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/broadband-mobile/
- Parental controls for entertainment and search engines – https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/entertainment-search-engines/
- Assessing and reporting online threats – https://reportharmfulcontent.com/advice/threats/
- Safer Internet Day 2023 – https://www.internetmatters.org/safer-internet-day/
- Online gaming – https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-gaming-advice/the-basics
- Discord – https://www.childnet.com/blog/what-is-discord-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers/
- Body image and self-esteem – Toxic Influence: A Dove Film – Dove Self-Esteem Project
- Understanding online self-harm – What is self-harm? Parents’ guide | Internet Matters
- Guides for a range of cybercrimes – https://www.thecyberhelpline.com/guides-2
- Understanding the metaverse – What is the Metaverse? | NSPCC
- Childrens-Commissioners-Office-Talking-to-Your-Child-About-Online-Sexual-Harassment-A-Guide-for-Parents
Useful websites
‘Teachers in ‘live life well’ lessons, and in other subjects, teach pupils successfully how to keep themselves safe, including when they are online.’