Image of Online Safety - Wake up Wednesday - Clickbait
27 Mar

Online Safety - Wake up Wednesday - Clickbait

While scrolling online, you’ll almost inevitably have come across posts or links with headlines like “You Won’t Believe These 10 Crazy Facts about …”. Such lurid language – and the often-dubious nature of the content it promotes – has become something of a running joke on the internet. Yet while these articles are often laughed at by communities online, they can have an insidious side. Clickbait, as it’s known, can frequently function as part of a trap: intended to draw users in for the sake of advertising revenue or, in worse cases, masking an attempting to collect their personal information. This #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the various risks of clickbait and offers some top tips for evading the pitfalls of this controversial marketing technique.

Image of 10 Top Tips for Parents and Educators: Encouraging Open Conversations at Home
20 Mar

10 Top Tips for Parents and Educators: Encouraging Open Conversations at Home

Cultural and technological changes have made the experiences of today’s children vastly different to our own childhoods; it can be challenging to engage youngsters in open, honest conversation – especially about more sensitive topics. This, combined with many children’s instinct to avoid “rocking the boat”, can make it difficult to stay up to date with the goings on in their lives. However, it’s hugely important that trusted adults still offer an empathetic ear and feel able to encourage young people to open up about their day-to-day activities. This #WakeUpWednesday guide provides ten top tips for promoting open conversations with children – helping to make sure there’s someone they know they can turn to in times of need.

Image of Year 2 - PSHE - Online Safety
11 Mar

Year 2 - PSHE - Online Safety

In PSHE today, we had a discussion about what the internet is and how we can stay safe online. We focussed on staying safe when playing games and only playing with people we know. If we don't feel safe we TAG it - tell a grown up!

Image of Online Safety - Self Regulation
21 Feb

Online Safety - Self Regulation

As infants, we all rely completely on adults to help us resolve situations that are causing us to become upset or stressed. This is known as co-regulation. The next phase, once autonomy has begun to develop, is called self-regulation: this is when children start to become capable of exercising more control over their impulses and behaviour, and managing their own emotions. This vital developmental milestone, however, isn’t reached spontaneously. Learning to self-regulate requires sensitive guidance from trusted adults – simply talking with children about their thoughts and feelings, for instance, can ease the route to self-regulation. This #WakeUpWednesday guide has some expert tips for supporting children to reach this goal.

Image of Online Safety - Monkey
7 Feb

Online Safety - Monkey

With Omegle finally shutting down in late 2023, the top spot among video chat services is up for grabs – and Monkey has its eyes set on the crown. Randomly matching its users for 15-second conversations, the platform’s developers claim to have created a dynamic online space for people to make new connections and, potentially, even some new friends. Despite these innocuous-sounding intentions, however, Monkey has been criticised for moderation which may not be comprehensive enough to defend against the obvious dangers that unregulated, random video calls pose to the younger element of the site’s userbase. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide tells trusted adults what they need to know about Monkey.

Image of Online Safety - MYLOL
24 Jan

Online Safety - MYLOL

Teenagers’ blossoming interest in romantic relationships and their devotion to online networking is a potent combination – and, regrettably, not always a safe one. It raises all kind of worries about the possibility of sharing intimate images or deeply personal information; and that’s simply with contacts their own age – to say nothing of the chance of connecting with an older stranger. MyLOL – a site which specifically facilitates interaction between 13 to 19-year-olds – has amassed around a million users worldwide, but sadly its safeguarding protocols can’t match that level of success. The ease with which an adult could pose as a teen under a bogus birthdate makes grooming a realistic threat – and that’s far from the platform’s only risk, as our guide explains.

Image of Online Safety - Smartphones
17 Jan

Online Safety - Smartphones

According to Ofcom, 69% of under-18s use a smartphone as their main method of going online. Additionally, 49% of children use them for online gaming – putting smartphones only behind consoles (59%) as the device of choice for playing games on. Most people won’t require such statistical evidence, however, to acknowledge the huge importance of phones to young people. Given that Santa’s recent visit is likely to have bestowed smartphones on an even greater number of young people, it’s a particularly opportune moment to ensure that children are able to use their handsets responsibly – and, above all, safely. From passcodes to parental controls, and from screen time to scams, our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the essential advice.

Image of Online Safety - Freedom of Speech
10 Jan

Online Safety - Freedom of Speech

Freedom of expression is enshrined in international law. Some individuals, however, misunderstand the right to share their opinions as a license to target others with the most horrendous prejudice. So how do we balance people’s prerogative to have their voice heard against everyone’s right to live in a respectful, inclusive society? This conflict frequently unfolds in the digital world. Online posters can be falsely accused of hate speech, while actual hate is often defended as merely being ‘free speech’. To help children and young people learn to identify the boundaries and recognise genuine hate speech when they see it, our #WakeUpWednesday guide provides some helpful definitions and guidelines.

Image of Online Safety - Settng Up Parental Controls
20 Dec

Online Safety - Settng Up Parental Controls

At this time of year, it’s highly possible that you have a new phone, games console or other digital device stashed somewhere at home, ready to be unwrapped. Many parents also prefer to place some protective measures on those gifts – to keep their child shielded from potential #OnlineSafety risks – while others would like to, but aren’t sure where to begin. Our guide shepherds you through the process of establishing parental controls on new internet-enabled devices, from smartphones to laptops to consoles. Simply find the device in question and read on to find out what options you have and how to enable them – letting children enjoy their shiny new gadget, without so much of the worry over where it might lead them.

Image of Online Safety - Tech Free Christmas
13 Dec

Online Safety - Tech Free Christmas

With Christmas right around the corner, millions of families are excitedly anticipating the chance to spend some quality time with each other over the festive season. When everyone’s engrossed in their phones or glued to their games consoles, however, genuinely meaningful moments with loved ones can often be difficult to orchestrate. Our Christmas #WakeUpWednesday guide will lend a hand: providing some advice on helping young people to set aside their devices for a while and live in the moment. Even if going full tech cold turkey feels unrealistic, implementing just a few of these tips could still decrease the amount of screen time in your home this festive season – enabling everyone to make the most of it.

Image of Online Safety - Disney +
7 Dec

Online Safety - Disney +

‘Tis the season for family movie nights  Many parents will be turning to Disney+ for exactly that reason – but how free from #OnlineSafety risks is the House of Mouse’s streaming service? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide delves into Disney+ 

Image of Online Safety - The Online Safety Act
29 Nov

Online Safety - The Online Safety Act

After a lengthy gestation period, the UK Government’s wide-ranging changes to the legislation around digital safeguarding have become enshrined in law as the Online Safety Act. The first of its kind in Britain, the act aims to improve protection for children online and clamp down on illegal material. Regulated by Ofcom, it will primarily impact social media platforms and companies which host user-generated content. The new legislation, however, also carries implications for schools and their staff. Although further developments are expected, our #WakeUpWednesday guide summarises the main points of the act that schools need to be aware of so far – outlining some specific areas that the new laws address and what effect, in practical terms, this will have on education providers.

Image of Online Safety - Black Friday and Cyber Monday
22 Nov

Online Safety - Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Gone are the days of Black Friday only existing in the physical environs of the high street. Now, both this retail landmark and its sister event, Cyber Monday, see deals and discounts displayed across almost every online retailer. The array of reductions makes this an ideal moment to treat a loved one (or yourself!) to those treasured items for considerably less than their usual cost. The frantic dash for the best bargains online, however, also harbours several risks: chiefly, cybercriminals hoping to exploit people’s excitement and hoodwink them out of their hard-earned cash. Our #WakeUpWednesday has some expert pointers on keeping your both your money and your personal information safe while still making the most of the spectacular sales.

Image of Online Safety - Smart TVs
15 Nov

Online Safety - Smart TVs

Smart TVs have become more affordable in recent years, making them readily available to most consumers. These more advanced systems offer numerous features beyond those of a normal television set – chiefly, the ability to access the internet and interface with popular streaming services without the need for a set-top box or other intermediary device. This increased functionality, however, also brings additional threats to privacy, security and more – as you’d perhaps expect from any device capable of going online. As TV is such a cornerstone of our home lives, these dangers can be uniquely difficult to manage. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down the major risks, with tips on helping children to enjoy TV … stress free.

Image of Online Safety Microtransactions
8 Nov

Online Safety Microtransactions

Does “free to play” really mean what it says? Many hit games cost nothing to download but make their money via microtransactions – a growing #OnlineSafety concern for parents of young gamers. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the details.

Image of Online Safety X
1 Nov

Online Safety X

Would you get an A for your knowledge of X? This #WakeUpWednesday, our free guide tells parents and carers about the #OnlineSafety risks – both new and familiar – to stay alert for on the platform formerly known as Twitter Download >> https://bit.ly/3Mq6t5p

Image of Wake Up Wednesday- Five Nights at Freddies
25 Oct

Wake Up Wednesday- Five Nights at Freddies

Move over Krueger, there's a new scary Freddy in town

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Sendit
19 Oct

Wake Up Wednesday - Sendit

Ready to receive some info? … because we’re ready to Sendit This #WakeUpWednesday, we highlight the #OnlineSafety risks in Sendit – a Snapchat add-on which is meant for older teens but is proving popular with younger users.

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Fifa 23
12 Oct

Wake Up Wednesday - Fifa 23

Be on the ball with FIFA. Does the ever-popular football simulation keep a clean sheet of #OnlineSafety risks in its latest appearance? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has our essential scouting report on FIFA 23

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - BeReal
5 Oct

Wake Up Wednesday - BeReal

A social media app based on authenticity? It’s been dubbed ‘the anti-influencer platform’ – but does that mean that BeReal has fewer #OnlineSafety risks than its glamour-focused rivals? Read our #WakeUpWednesday guide to find out

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Reddit
28 Sep

Wake Up Wednesday - Reddit

This #WakeUpWednesday, do we give credit to Reddit? It’s a space for free speech, which also means it’s not always suitable for children. Our guide to Reddit finds trolling, adult content and fake news among the #OnlineSafety risks

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Roblox
21 Sep

Wake Up Wednesday - Roblox

Roblox is one of the most popular video games on the market. By 2020, the game’s makers were claiming that more than half of children in the USA play it. As a ‘sandbox’ title, Roblox offers a huge amount of creative freedom: it lets players create their own gaming experiences with the Roblox Studio to build custom levels and games, which can then be shared with other players online. Roblox fosters creative thinking and enjoys a robust online community of fans. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as online daters, in-app purchases and contact with strangers. #WakeUpWednesday

Image of Huggy Wuggy - Parental Information
14 Jul

Huggy Wuggy - Parental Information

There have been rising concerns nationally about a horror game character called Huggy Wuggy. There are multiple risks that can arise from children and young people being exposed to frightening content before they are prepared including- Added anxiety and stress – Children and young people are still growing and learning. They may not be at a level of emotional maturity that would be able to process frightening content, even if it is intentional. Horror games could hamper that growth by creating unnecessary anxiety and stress. Intrusive thoughts – Everyone has the ‘thing that goes bump in the night.’ If children play this game or watch it, the Boogeyman could easily be replaced with characters like Huggy Wuggy. This could cause children to lose focus or sleep and could interrupt family rest cycles. New fears – The manipulation of child-friendly items into threatening characters exploits the sense of security a child would feel around these things. They may suddenly be terrified of something that had never been a worry before. Top Tips for helping the child or young person in your care If your child hasn’t mentioned Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, don’t name it. You may pique their curiosity which in turn could lead to them searching out the content for themselves on platforms they might have access to. If you hear a child in your care mention Huggy Wuggy, pause and remain calm. It could be that they have overheard conversation about in school or online, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have viewed content or have a full understanding of who Huggy Wuggy is. Ask them about the content they enjoy watching online, and if anything they’ve seen has ever made them or their friends upset or scared. If they have seen anything upsetting, reassure them that they are safe. It’s important children know they can come and speak to you without fear of judgement. If necessary, ask them to show you the video or game, and follow appropriate reporting procedures if you are concerned. If you see content on social media or in the news regarding Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, think before you share it publicly. It may be more helpful to share a credible article with practical advice privately, e.g. through private messaging. Talk about Trusted Adults to teach young people about the importance of seeking help if something worries or upset them. If your child is having nightmares or is anxious about something they’ve watched, it’s important to have a conversation about expressing their feelings.

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Equality Online
13 Jul

Wake Up Wednesday - Equality Online

The goal is equality. To celebrate a vibrant opening week of #weuro22, our #WakeUpWednesday guide has top tips for helping young fans ensure they know how to remain respectful online … and how to react if they see a red-card offence!

Image of Wake up Wednesday - Steam
6 Jul

Wake up Wednesday - Steam

It’s a hot-spot for gamers, but could youngsters get their fingers burned? The latest guide in our #WakeUpWednesday series checks out the popular games distribution platform Steam for potential #OnlineSafety threats

Image of Wake up Wednesday - Minecraft
29 Jun

Wake up Wednesday - Minecraft

The biggest-selling video game of all time! However, even the mighty Minecraft isn’t totally immune to #OnlineSafety risks. Our updated #WakeUpWednesday guide brings trusted adults the lowdown on this established children’s favourite.

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Esports
22 Jun

Wake Up Wednesday - Esports

Fleeting fad – or future Olympic event? Professional esports is booming – and can be a lucrative career – but it’s far from free of #OnlineSafety threats. This #WakeUpWednesday, check out our scouting report from the world of esports.

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Twitch
15 Jun

Wake Up Wednesday - Twitch

If your child knows gaming, they’ll probably know Twitch. It’s a livestreaming community for dedicated gamers – but in among the helpful tips, some #OnlineSafety risks are lurking. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide investigates.

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Virtual Reality
8 Jun

Wake Up Wednesday - Virtual Reality

Virtually harmless … or a risk in reality? VR is growing fast as a medium for gaming and education, but it’s still far from free of #OnlineSafety threats. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide gives trusted adults the heads up on virtual reality.

Image of Wake Up Wednesday - Cross Platform Sharing
25 May

Wake Up Wednesday - Cross Platform Sharing

‘Going viral’ isn’t always something to celebrate. This #WakeUpWednesday, we look at how inappropriate content becomes an #OnlineSafety risk by crossing between platforms – and ways to prevent your child seeing anything they shouldn’t.

Image of National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Phone Scams
23 Mar

National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Phone Scams

Scam alert! We all think we’ll never be fooled, but there’s always a new con ready to trap the unwary. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide gives you the #OnlineSafety steps to help your family avoid phone scams.

Image of National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Supporting Children to Deal with Uspetting Content
16 Mar

National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Supporting Children to Deal with Uspetting Content

Raising children in the digital age seems to be getting tougher, with the world currently experiencing so many uncertainties. From the continuing impact of COVID-19 to the war in Ukraine, right now children across the globe can scarcely go online without being exposed to unsettling stories, images and ideas. Reassuring a concerned child can be difficult, especially when bad news feels omnipresent. We’ve put together some advice to help you in discussing upsetting events with young ones. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of tips such as encouraging your child to ask questions, setting limits and to emphasis hope.

Image of National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - WINK
16 Feb

National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - WINK

A cheeky wink – or something more sinister? Explicit pictures and contact from strangers are among the #OnlineSafety risks in Wink, a networking app for the over 13s. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide tells trusted adults what they need to know

Image of National Online Safety #WakeupWednesday - Horror Games
19 Jan

National Online Safety #WakeupWednesday - Horror Games

Terrific entertainment … or just plain terrifying? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide checks the doors are locked, turns on all the lights, and tells a chilling tale of #OnlineSafety threats that children could encounter in horror games. .

Image of National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday Pokemon GO!
17 Nov

National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday Pokemon GO!

Don’t fall when you're catching ‘em all! ⚡️

Image of National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday
3 Nov

National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday

Get Snap-savvy this #WakeUpWednesday!

Image of National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday Social Bots
20 Oct

National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday Social Bots

Can you spot a bot? Automated accounts are a growing #OnlineSafety risk on social media. What do they want, and who controls them? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide tells you lots … about bots!