Online Safety

Download: Online Safety Policy 2023-2024 [PDF]

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Bluesky Social App

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Bluesky Social App’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Bluesky Social App [PDF]

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Bluesky is a microblogging social media platform that gained popularity after separating from Twitter in 2021. Since accounts must be public, this opens the door to potential trolling, cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation.

We’ve created this free guide, offering parents and educators advice and guidance on the tools available to keep children safe while using the popular social media platform Bluesky.

Online Safety Newsletter – Issue 2

Please find the MGL Online Safety Newsletter – Issue 2 below:

Download: Online Safety Newsletter – Issue 2 [PDF]

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What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Streamers

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Streamers’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Streamers [PDF]

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Livestreaming is now a major part of children’s entertainment, evolving from gamers sharing screens into a booming industry with diverse personalities. While watching streamers can be entertaining, it comes with no small number of risks for children, such as misinformation, negative influences, and inappropriate content. With over 2.5 million viewers on Twitch – the current most popular streaming platform – at any one time, this guide highlights the potential dangers associated with watching livestreams and the importance of staying informed.

We’ve created this free guide – also available in podcast format – to provide parents and educators everything they need to know about streamers and how to keep children protected.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Roblox

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Roblox’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Roblox [PDF]

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Whilst they can be a great way for friends to socialise, online games like Roblox that allow multiplayer gameplay with strangers are always fraught with a variety of dangers that can expose children to inappropriate or harmful content. Roblox enables people to play anonymously, which can often be something that attracts people to misuse the game and potentially put young people at risk of harm.

In addition to interacting with random strangers across the world, other factors such as in-game purchases and potential scams can also pose a financial risk. It’s important that parents and educators remain aware of the risks associated with this popular title and how it can be used safely. This free guide – also available in podcast format – offers parents and educators expert advice on what can be done to ensure that young people have a safe and enjoyable experience with Roblox.

Online Safety Newsletter – Issue 1

Please find the MGL Online Safety Newsletter – Issue 1 below:

Download: Online Safety Newsletter – Issue 1 [PDF]

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What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Marvel Rivals

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Marvel Rivals’ below.

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Marvel Rivals is a highly popular multiplayer shooter that pits iconic superheroes against formidable villains. The game is free –to play on PC and current-generation consoles but does feature microtransactions that allow players to spend real money on cosmetic items for their characters.

While Marvel Rivals has been deemed suitable for children aged 12 and over, there are several risks associated with the title that parents and educators should be aware of. This free guide offers more information on these safety concerns and lets you know how to ensure that children playing the game can have a fun and age-appropriate experience.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Whatsapp

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Whatsapp’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Whatsapp [PDF]

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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps available and, as of 2024, has been made accessible to users as young as thirteen. With end-to-end encryption preventing even the platform itself from viewing any messages that users send on it, this app has been regularly utilised by those looking to keep their conversations private.

Unfortunately, the service poses several risks to its younger users – from misinformation and bullying to potential criminal exploitation – and it’s vital that parents and educators understand these concerns and how to address them. This free guide delves into the online safety risks of WhatsApp and offers expert advice on how to safeguard any young people who use the platform.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Online Relationships & Dating Apps

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Online Relationships & Dating Apps’ below.

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Dating apps have grown rapidly in popularity since their introduction, transforming the way many of us meet new people and form relationships. While these platforms are typically restricted to an audience of over-18s, there are still children and young people attempting to make use of them and exposing themselves to their risks – from online harassment to outright abuse.

As a parent or educator, it can be daunting to navigate this complex and ever-evolving landscape, and to know how best we can support and protect youngsters who are accessing dating apps. This guide breaks down the risks associated with these platforms and offers expert advice on how to safeguard children from such online safety concerns.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Fake News & Scams

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Fake News & Scams’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Fake News & Scams [PDF]

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While misinformation and ‘fake news’ are well-known concerns online, it’s also the case that scammers and other cyber-criminals can try to utilise this phony material to manipulate, frighten or otherwise persuade their victims into cooperating.

With constantly evolving scams and such a high volume of misinformation online, it’s vital that parents and educators know how to safeguard the children in their care against these kinds of tactics. Our guide breaks down the most prominent ways in which scammers attempt to use ‘fake news’ to their advantage, as well as how to protect youngsters from being manipulated by such techniques.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Health & Fitness Apps

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Health & Fitness Apps’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Health & Fitness Apps [PDF]

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Over time, more and more fitness apps have been finding their way into circulation. Usually free to download – at least initially – these apps claim to offer helpful advice and assistance in routine management to those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.

While these platforms can be useful, they do present several safety concerns. These issues become more significant when we consider that children and young people can use these apps to stay active – whether out of concern for their own health or for reasons of body image. Our free guide breaks down the risks of health and fitness apps and offers expert advice on how to address these concerns to safeguard younger users.