Internet Safety Updates
&
Wake Up Wednesday
As lots of you will know, the internet has become such an integral part of our lives. There are so many advantages and benefits that go with this, but, yes there's always a but and it's a big BUT, it unfortunately isn't all good.
Please can I ask that you stay vigilant when it comes to your children using the internet, whether that's for searching for information, playing games or chatting to others. Things may NOT always be as they seem and it is your responsibility to ensure your children are safe online.
We take a huge responsibility also for keeping your children safe. We implement this through our online safety lessons through our PSHE curriculum on a regular basis across all year groups, as well as specialist awareness days. This is to ensure your children are using their devices and the internet safely but also with the awareness of what to do if they feel unsafe or come across something that makes them uncomfortable.
The National Online Safety (NOS) Campaign provides guides for parents as part of their #WakeUpWednesday campaign and it is viewed as one of the most trusted and reputable learning resources in the UK, providing expert advice on the latest platforms and online risks that parents and carers need to know about.
There are lots of these guides on the previous page under, Internet Safety, but you can also find them here and on social media platforms by typing #WakeUpWednesday
We encourage children to ALWAYS talk to a trusted adult if they have any worries or concerns, so please can we ask that you do the same. If you have any concerns regarding the internet or use of devices, please come to speak to us. If you have any information on inappropriate games etc, then let us know so we can share it on here to make others aware.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs Michelle Fox
Learning Mentor/DSL
28/11/2024
Podcast Updates
As well as the information posters, you can now access the information and updates via the National College Podcast via this link Wake Up Wednesday Podcast
27/11/2024
Snapchat
Recent user numbers for the messaging app Snapchat currently sit at approximately 800 million and figures from data gathering company Statista indicate that roughly 20% of those users are under 18. That’s a lot of young people participating in this sprawling social media platform, many of whom are potentially unaware of the associated risks.
That’s why we’re releasing this week’s guide – also available in podcast format for those who want to listen on the go. It can be tricky to know how to safeguard younger users on Snapchat but we aim to show you how, while also giving you in-depth knowledge of the online safety risks posed by this platform.
20/11/2024
Spending and Saving
The Money and Pensions Service have found that only 47% of children in the UK have received a meaningful financial education. Money management is a vital part of being an adult, and an exceptionally important skill that will benefit children for their entire lives. Having the knowledge and self-control to let savings build up interest – or avoid an impulse buy, can ensure that children go into adulthood at a significantly lower risk of financial difficulty. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales fast approaching, now is a great time to help children understand the value of money.
Of course, it can feel daunting when attempting to teach young people about something as complicated as money and responsible budgeting, but there are several options at your disposal. To break down these options, we’ve put together this guide in collaboration with financial education app GoHenry, helping you teach children and young people all they need to know about spending and saving.
6/11/2024
Choose Respect
11th November marks the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week, and this year’s theme is “Choose Respect”. Statistics from this week’s experts – the Anti-Bullying Alliance – reveal that 40% of children in the UK have suffered some form of bullying within the last year, with the most common experience being name-calling and verbal abuse. While it can have several causes, this kind of behaviour is commonly seen when a disagreement between two youngsters gets out of hand and emotions take over.
16/10/2024
Horror films
Many children and young people enjoy exploring new and exciting genres and themes in the films and TV they consume – and as they grow, the maturity of this content will likely increase with them. However, without proper supervision and safeguarding, youngsters looking for a new title to enjoy – especially in the horror genre – might get a little more than they're ready for.
The emotional and psychological impacts of viewing age-inappropriate content can be severe. It's vital for parents and educators to know how to keep the children in their care as safe as possible while young people explore new, potentially grittier or darker, pieces of media. This free guide breaks down the risks of viewing age-inappropriate content, with a particular focus on horror, and offers expert advice on how to limit youngsters’ exposure to material that might upset or disturb them.
9/10/2024
Fire Safety
Whether it’s during a major event like bonfire night or simply while using a heater on a chilly day, fire safety is a vitally important topic on which to educate children and young people. One mistake with fireworks, electronics or open flames can have catastrophic consequences: damage to property, serious injury or even worse.
As parents and educators, it's vital that we teach the children in our care how to protect themselves around fire and flammable materials in a mature and responsible manner. This free guide offers expert advice on how to educate children and young people on fire safety, detailing what precautions can be taken to keep them as safe as possible when exposed to fire-related dangers.
9/10/2024 My Family's Digital Toolkit
Internet Matters has a fantastic toolkit for parents which helps you to set up personalised online safety advice that keeps up with your child’s digital needs.
https://www.internetmatters.org/digital-family-toolkit/#inside-toolkit
- Get age-specific advice and tips to support your children online
- Learn about popular apps and platforms your children use
- Get information about how to deal with any online safety concerns
- Get recommendations for digital tools to support their interests and wellbeing
18/09/2024
Final Fantasy XIV
As with any online game, there are plenty of risks associated with Final Fantasy XIV – and it’s vital for parents and educators to understand these safety concerns, in case any children in their care wish to enjoy this title. Our free guide offers expert insight into the potential hazards of playing Final Fantasy XIV and lets you know how best to safeguard any young fans of the game.
11/09/2024
Managing conflict
As children go through life, they will inevitably come into conflict sooner or later. These disagreements can range from seemingly minor squabbles to far more serious disputes, and dealing with them in an effective, mature manner is an absolutely vital skill – one that takes some time and effort to cultivate.
In children and young people’s formative years, it’s incredibly important for parents and educators to know how to teach them conflict resolution, as well being able to model this skill effectively. This free guide offers expert advice on helping youngsters avoid unnecessary conflict and supporting them in finding solutions when clashes arise.
17/07/2024
Worry and Anxiety
NHS statistics indicate that the need for mental health support for children and young people in the UK is higher than ever, with 1 in 6 children (16%) reported as being in need of such help. Unchecked worry and anxiety in under-18s is a key contributor to this figure, with roughly 4 in 10 children (37.4%) saying they don’t receive regular support from their school or college
3/07/2024
Online Trolling
Trolling is the act of making inflammatory comments or behaving in an abusive manner online to hurt the feelings of others or provoke a reaction from them
26/06/2024
Siren Head
It has come to our attention that a number of children are watching clips on YouTube or playing the game Siren head whilst they are at home. This information has come from Reception aged children.The age for Siren head is 18 and therefore no children should be watching anything regarding this.
Siren head is an aggressive predator making him a dangerous threat. It is an extremely violent monster who causes harm, serious injury or even death to others.
Please ensure you are monitoring what your child is watching online. If you require support or advice on how to put restrictions on your devices, you can find the link here.
Many thanks for your support.
17/06/2024
Dear Parents and carers,
We have been made aware of the game ‘Rainbow Friends’ which is played within Roblox. There are also video compilations on YouTube that some of our younger pupils in Reception and Year 1 are accessing. Rainbow Friends is described as a horror experience that combines popular games such as ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ and ‘Poppy’s Playtime’. Rainbow Friends takes place over a five-day loop and players take on challenges. While doing so, players must avoid enemies. You play as a kidnapped child taken to an amusement park called ‘Odd World’ and are stalked by scary characters. Some children are finding the characters from this game extremely frightening. The games suggested age is 10+. We are wanting to make parents and carers aware of the game so you are able to discuss with your child any concerns they may have about the game or issues that have arisen from it.