Image of Online Safety: Safety on Social Media
18 Dec

Online Safety: Safety on Social Media

Ofcom has found that, overall, 99% of children in the UK are using social media. That’s almost 14 million young people using sites just like this one. So, how do we keep them all safe? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide and the latest episode of our podcast give you expert advice on effective safety practices while using social media. Download >> https://ow.ly/yVbx50UtflM Listen >> https://ow.ly/mw1350UtflK

Image of Online Safety: Keeping Safe over the Festive Season
12 Dec

Online Safety: Keeping Safe over the Festive Season

The winter break is almost here, and it’s time to kick back and relax – but there are still steps we can take to celebrate safely. Check out our freshly wrapped guide for parents and educators, with tips on holiday safety to keep youngsters protected this festive season! Download >> https://ow.ly/JCyE50UoWAV Listen >> https://ow.ly/hYl650UoWAU

Image of Year 5 - Online Safety Awareness
3 Dec

Year 5 - Online Safety Awareness

Today, Year 5 analysed this week's online safety poster, which focused on the app Snapchat. The children engaged in thoughtful discussions about the potential risks associated with the app, such as artificial intelligence misuse, online predators, scams, screen addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and online pressures. They reflected on how these risks could impact not only personal safety but also mental health, including feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem caused by social comparison or cyberbullying. Following this, the class worked collaboratively to devise advice for safe usage of the platform. They suggested practical measures such as utilising parental controls, regularly reviewing privacy settings, and ensuring only trusted individuals are added as friends. They emphasised the importance of blocking and reporting harmful content or interactions and encouraged open, honest discussions with trusted adults about any concerns. The session concluded with the children considering how to raise awareness about online safety in their community. They brainstormed ideas such as creating posters or videos to share what they’ve learned, reinforcing the need for responsible online behaviour and the value of making informed choices in the digital world. The activity not only enhanced their awareness of online risks but also empowered them to become proactive digital citizens.

Image of Online Safety: Snapchat
27 Nov

Online Safety: Snapchat

Snapchat has been available for almost 14 years now. It’s expanded plenty in that time – adding new features, and with them, new risks. This #WakeUpWednesday, our guide and podcast are revisiting this messaging app, letting you know how to keep younger users safe. Download here >> https://ow.ly/tjPc50UfXWj Listen here >> https://ow.ly/5L9k50UfXWk

Image of Educating Children on Spending and Saving
20 Nov

Educating Children on Spending and Saving

With Black Friday sales right around the corner, it's a great time to teach children about financial responsibility but how, exactly? In this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide and the latest episode of our podcast we’re offering top tips on educating children how to spend and save wisely. Download here >> https://ow.ly/c0XW50UaIRs Listen here >> https://ow.ly/SoTR50UaIRq

Image of Year 6 - Anti-Bullying Live Lesson
13 Nov

Year 6 - Anti-Bullying Live Lesson

At the beginning of this week, Year 6 took part in a PSHE lesson and a CBBC live lesson that focused on Anti-Bullying Week. The theme this year is ‘Choose Respect’. Year 6 were made aware that disagreements are actually a natural part of life and that we can’t avoid them. However, what we do have control of is the ability to be respectful when we have a disagreement. If we manage to do this, a resolution is easier to find.

Image of Online Safety: Encouraging Children to Choose Respect
6 Nov

Online Safety: Encouraging Children to Choose Respect

Anti-Bullying Week is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Choose Respect”. When disputes arise among children, insults and rudeness can sometimes follow and it’s vital for us to show them a better way. Working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance themselves, we’re bringing you expert advice on how to do exactly that. Download >> https://nationalcollege.com/guides/choose-respect Listen >> https://tr.ee/mppP2QEa1w

Image of Online Safety: Fortnite
30 Oct

Online Safety: Fortnite

Fortnite is a triumph in the gaming sphere. Fast-paced action in a cartoonish package – but 'cartoonish' doesn’t always mean ‘safe’. In this week’s guide and the latest episode of our #WakeUpWednesday podcast we’re discussing the online safety risks of this popular title. Download >> https://ow.ly/qyuR50TW3CO Listen >> https://ow.ly/QRhp50TW3CN

Image of Online Safety: Horror Films and Age Ratings
16 Oct

Online Safety: Horror Films and Age Ratings

https://ow.ly/n4Pl50TLKP2 spooky season, plenty of young people will be breaking out the popcorn and giving themselves a fright But let’s ensure that what they’re watching is appropriate. In this week’s guide and podcast episode, we’re offering expert advice on horror films and age ratings. Download here >> https://ow.ly/gCJU50TLKP5 Listen here >> https://ow.ly/IOA050TLKP4

Image of Teaching Children Fire Safety
9 Oct

Teaching Children Fire Safety

Remember, remember … 5 November is approaching fast, but of course fire safety isn’t only important on Bonfire Night. Help children recognise the potential risks with a timely reminder of fire safety essentials in this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide and accompanying podcast. Download here >> https://ow.ly/Y2lm50THEhe Listen here >> https://ow.ly/lOLi50THEhf

Image of Online Safety: In-game Chat
2 Oct

Online Safety: In-game Chat

Chatting to others in a game can be a great way to connect as you enjoy your hobby together. It’s not always quite so wholesome, however. Our newest #WakeUpWednesday guide and the latest episode of our podcast offer expert advice on the risks of in-game chat! Download here >> https://ow.ly/olvZ50TAgSJ Listen here >> https://ow.ly/ePvP50TAgSO

Image of Year 3- PSHE-How can we solve this problem?
25 Sep

Year 3- PSHE-How can we solve this problem?

In our PSHE lesson, I shared a scenario where a close friend's big birthday celebration is coming up in a couple of weeks, and I've been invited. However, another family member has arranged a trip to the seaside for the same weekend, inviting many of the same people. Neither knew the other had planned something and when they found out, they got into a big argument, shouting at each other and storming off. Now, they’re not speaking, and it’s caused a lot of tension. We discussed how they might have felt, why they argued, and how shouting didn't help the situation. Year 3 came up with some brilliant solutions to solve the problem. They suggested that one way to fix the situation could be for one person to change the event date so that everyone could attend both the birthday party and the seaside trip without a clash. Another idea was to have a joint celebration, where everyone could come together for one big event that includes the birthday and the trip. Some children even suggested talking calmly and finding a compromise to make both people happy, rather than arguing and storming off. We also discussed how important it is to think about other people’s feelings and find a solution that’s fair for everyone involved. We also looked at an online safety poster about Instagram. The children shared what they like to watch and post online, and some were surprised to learn about the age restrictions. Many didn’t know that Instagram has a minimum age requirement of 13 years old. We talked about why these restrictions are in place, such as to protect young people from inappropriate content and ensure their safety online. The children were able to understand that being careful about what they watch, post, and share is really important, and we discussed how some online spaces might not always be safe for younger users.