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. 

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

 

17/09/2025

Snapchat

With over 900 million monthly users, Snapchat continues to be a favourite among children and young people; however, with its ever-evolving features, the risks have evolved too. From AI-generated filters and chatbots, to disappearing messages and the Snap Map location-sharing tool, it’s easy for children to stumble into unsafe territory. This guide breaks down the latest updates, including the Lens+ subscription service, and web browser access. 

We’ve also unpacked the risks of sextortion scams, overuse, and inappropriate content that may slip through the app’s moderation systems. With expert advice from online safety consultant Dr Claire Sutherland, this guide is a must-read for anyone helping young people navigate Snapchat responsibly and confidently. 

10/09/2025

Conspiracy Theory

The latest update to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ includes clarification that misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories are recognised safeguarding harms. Although they might seem far-fetched, for many people they are very convincing – especially when presented by persuasive influencers or sensationalist videos online. This guide unpacks the risks, including isolation, anxiety, and exposure to extremist content, that can arise when conspiracies go unchecked. 

It also highlights how conspiracy theories can erode critical thinking and trust in reliable sources – including schools, families, and the media. With practical advice for nurturing curiosity, encouraging scepticism, and safeguarding children’s digital experiences, this edition of Wake Up Wednesday helps adults to tackle tricky topics in a calm and confident manner.

3/09/2025

Recognising and managing stress

Stress is something we all experience – but for children and young people, it can feel especially overwhelming. This guide presents 10 simple, actionable strategies to help young people manage stress in a healthy and balanced manner. Whether it’s noticing early signs, encouraging open conversations, or modelling calm responses, there are plenty of ideas here to support positive change. 

Perfect for both school and home settings, the guide equips adults to identify subtle signals of stress and create safe spaces for pupils to open up. It also suggests mindful habits and healthy routines that can become part of daily life, promoting long-term emotional strength and mental well-being.

27/08/2025

Supporting children going back to school

The return to school after summer can be a whirlwind of emotions – a mixture of excitement, nerves, and everything in between. This guide shares ten practical tips to support children during this transition. From re-establishing routines to encouraging conversations about feelings, this guide is designed to reduce stress and build a sense of calm. 

Whether children are starting a new school, heading into a different year group, or readjusting after a long break, these strategies can help to ensure a smooth transition. From planning ahead and refreshing social connections to creating calm mornings and supporting healthy sleep habits, our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide is packed with useful advice to make the back-to-school journey more positive for the whole family.

 

20/08/2025

VPNs

With more young people turning to VPNs to mask their online activity, it’s vital that parents and educators understand both the benefits and the risks. While VPNs can improve privacy on public Wi-Fi, they can also be misused by young people to sidestep safety filters and access harmful or age-inappropriate content. 

This week’s guide explains the dangers of untrustworthy providers, malware threats, and the false sense of security that VPNs may give children. It also shares top tips – from checking devices to having open conversations – so adults can guide safe and responsible online behaviour.

06/08/2025

Group Chats

Group chats are a hugely popular way for children to stay in touch with their friends, whether via messaging apps, social platforms or games. These online groups can help them feel connected, strengthen relationships and encourage creativity – but they also come with certain risks. 

From teasing and exclusion to privacy worries and inappropriate content, children can experience a wide range of challenges in group chats. This guide helps parents and educators recognise the signs of trouble and offers simple ways to support children in using group chats safely and respectfully.

30/07/2025

Technology Attachment

Many young people and children today are deeply attached to their digital devices – often using screens for comfort, connection, and even validation. This attachment can quickly turn into dependency, especially with many apps designed to be habit-forming. Our guide breaks down how and why these connections develop, and the ways in which they might affect children’s behaviour, focus, and emotional resilience. 

From disrupted sleep patterns to distorted self-image, the consequences of excessive screen time can be far-reaching. This guide also examines how digital communication may shape friendships and social skills, as well as the hidden risks children and young people face in virtual spaces. With expert insights and practical strategies, it’s a valuable read for anyone supporting children and young people in our digital world.

23/07/2025

Online Slang

Online slang can be a vibrant way for young people to express themselves, but it also changes rapidly and can sometimes carry hidden meanings. This guide helps adults navigate this shifting landscape by breaking down what some of today’s most-used slang terms actually mean and why they matter. From ‘rizz’ to ‘sigma’, it’s a handy starting point for anyone wanting to better understand how young people communicate online. 

We’ve created this free guide offering parents and educators information about online slang and the risks involved – from generational misunderstandings to being used as a veil for harmful content or behaviour. Importantly, it offers advice on encouraging open conversations and critical thinking about language. With slang constantly evolving, this guide encourages adults to stay curious, connected and supportive.

09/07/2025

AI-Enabled Scams

AI isn’t just transforming the way we learn and work, it’s also reshaping the tactics scammers use online. From generating convincing phishing emails to fabricating influencer videos, criminals are using AI to make their scams more convincing than ever. Young people, who often embrace new tech quickly, can be especially vulnerable. 

This guide highlights several AI-enabled dangers – including romance scams, deepfake audio and video impersonations, and fake job offers – and explains how to spot and report them. With clear tips for verifying content, thinking critically, and using trusted platforms, it’s essential reading for parents and educators to help young people stay one step ahead of the scammers.

02/07/2025

Apple iPads

iPads are a familiar fixture in many households and classrooms, offering access to educational tools, entertainment, and the internet in one sleek package; however, with great versatility comes notable risk. From accidental spending and data privacy breaches to excessive screen time, there’s plenty for parents and educators to consider before handing over the device. While Apple offers built-in safeguards such as ‘Screen Time’ and ‘Family Sharing’, these features must be correctly set up and actively managed to be effective. 

Our #WakeUpWednesday guide walks you through these options and highlights some of the more surprising ways children can get around restrictions – including with Siri – while offering practical advice on how to help keep young users safe and healthy online.

26/06/2025

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo’s long-awaited Switch 2 has finally arrived, blending fresh hardware with fan-favourite franchises. From Mario to Pikachu, the familiar mascots are back – but so too are evolving online features, in-game purchases, and potential exposure to mature content. As ever, it’s essential that parents and educators understand the risks to young players. 

Among these are GameChat voice communication, camera-based gaming, and potential access to mature-rated titles. This guide outlines what to watch out for and how to keep children safe, engaged and having fun.

18/06/2025

YouTube Kids 

YouTube Kids promises a safe, child-centric experience with colourful visuals, age-filtered content, and robust parental controls. Designed to appeal to younger viewers, the app has grown rapidly, being used by tens of millions of children worldwide. But is it as safe as it seems? 

Despite YouTube Kids’ safeguards, reports have highlighted worrying issues, such as inappropriate content slipping through filters, subtle advertising, and the use of manipulative design to keep children engaged. Our guide explores how to navigate these pitfalls, offering practical advice for making sure children get the most from the platform – without the risks.

 

11/06/2025

Generative AI Safety

The remarkable growth of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has opened up exciting new opportunities for young learners. Used wisely, AI can be a powerful ally in boosting creativity, learning and problem-solving skills. However, without proper guidance, young people may stumble into challenges including inaccurate information, data security risks, and a growing reliance on AI over their own critical thinking.

From setting clear usage boundaries to teaching digital hygiene and promoting independent thought, this guide offers parents and educators practical advice on the safe, positive use of AI. With the right understanding and guidance, you can ensure that generative AI becomes a positive influence, rather than a potential pitfall in young people’s digital lives.

 

21/05/2025

Violent content online

With around 70% of teens reporting they've seen violent real-life content on social media in the past year, this guide shines a light on a disturbing – and increasingly common – aspect of young people’s digital lives. From shocking videos to hate speech, many children don’t go looking for this material, it finds them via algorithms or peer sharing. 

The guide outlines key concerns, including the mental toll of repeated exposure, shifts in behaviour, and the worrying normalisation of harmful ideologies. It also explains how such content can escalate from screen to street, and why some young people may feel pressured to share or even create violent media themselves.

14/05/2025

Minecraft

With its limitless opportunities for building, exploring and collaborating, Minecraft remains a global gaming phenomenon. Its broad appeal lies in how open-ended it is – but this also means it’s not without risk. From chatting with strangers on public servers to the grief of having a beloved creation destroyed, young players can face challenges if left unsupervised. Minecraft can also become a time sink for enthusiastic players, with late nights spent crafting and constructing, potentially impacting school and social lives. 

We’ve created this free guide to help parents and educators understand how to keep young gamers safe – from choosing age-appropriate game modes to setting boundaries around screen time and spending.

23/04/2025

Making friends online

As technology becomes increasingly embedded in young people’s lives, it’s common for them to form friendships entirely online. These connections can provide companionship and community — but they also bring potential dangers that parents and educators need to be aware of. 

From online grooming and privacy breaches to exposure to upsetting content, meeting people on the internet isn’t without risk. This guide explains the possible hazards of online friendships and gives parents and educators essential advice on helping children build safe, positive relationships online.

02/04/2025

Instagram

Instagram remains a go-to app for teens, with its endless stream of photos, videos, and ‘Stories’ keeping young users constantly connected. From influencer content to live broadcasts, the platform is packed with evolving features that can feel fun and engaging – but can also raise some serious concerns around screen time, online pressures and exposure to inappropriate content.

We’ve created this free guide – also available in podcast format – offering parents and educators up-to-date knowledge on the risks and safety tips for this latest version of Instagram.

12/03/2025

ROBLOX

Online multiplayer games like Roblox are enjoyed by millions across the world and can be a great way for friends to socialise; however, they can also expose young people to variety of potential harms. Roblox is a multi-platform game that enables people to play anonymously, which can often be something that attracts people to misuse the game and put younger players at risk of harm.

In addition to interacting with random strangers across the world, it’s important to be aware of other risk factors, such as in-game purchases and potential scams that can put young people at risk financially.  We’ve created this week’s free guide – also available in podcast format – offering parents and educators expert advice about what can be done to ensure that young people have a safe and enjoyable experience with Roblox. 

19/02/2025

Whatsapp

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