Online Safety

Download: Online Safety Policy 2023-2024 [PDF]

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Final Fantasy XIV

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

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Final Fantasy XIV [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

Massively multiplayer online roleplaying games – or ‘MMORPGs’ – are a highly popular subgenre, allowing people from all over the world to exist within the same fantasy realm, joining each other on quests or testing their skills against each other. One such title in this genre is Final Fantasy XIV, which released back in 2010 and – despite its initial failure – saw a surge of popularity in later years. 

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. We’ve also produced a version of this guide in podcast form, so you can absorb this valuable information while you’re on the go.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about QR-Code Scams

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

Download: What Parents & Educators Need to Know about QR-Code Scams [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

QR codes are a useful means by which people can quickly access online resources and other information, simply by scanning the pixellated pattern with their phone’s camera. Unfortunately, as with many other advances in technology, there are those who use QR codes to scam and defraud unsuspecting people, tricking them into providing their personal details and payment information. 

It can be difficult to determine when a QR code is legitimate – or where exactly you might encounter a scam of this nature – but it’s important to learn how, if you wish to avoid falling victim to such a thing. This free guide explores the most common places you may find a QR code scam and explains how best to protect yourself from this underhanded practice.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Lego Fortnite

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

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

Thank you.

More Information

Fortnite is a game well-known for its popularity with younger players, as well as its many different modes and expansions intended to keep the experience fresh for long-time fans. One such addition has been LEGO Fortnite – a kind of “survival mode” where players take control of LEGO characters, craft tools, and build structures in a manner similar to the toy set of the same name. 

While the content of LEGO Fortnite has been rated as suitable for children of 7 and older in the UK, it – like any online game – carries inherent safety concerns. For this reason, parents and educators should consider keeping themselves apprised of any potential dangers posed to children who enjoy this title. Our free guide offers plenty of insight into the most prominent risks associated with this title, and lets you know how to ensure children can safely enjoy their time with this expansion.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Gambling

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

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

Thank you.

More Information

Gambling has become more prevalent over the years, with such practises widely advertised on social media and even incorporated into various apps and games. It’s growing easier for children and young people to come across opportunities to gamble, putting parents at greater risk of financial loss or mental and emotional strain.

That said, there are steps you can take to keep these youngsters as safe as possible from the impacts of gambling, and our free guide details these for you. At the same time, our expert points out the most significant risks posed to under-18s, to help you keep these damaging pitfalls to a minimum.

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Palworld

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

Download: What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Palworld [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

Releasing in January 2024, Palworld took the gaming scene by storm, selling over five million copies in just three days. A new take on the survival genre – blending mechanics similar to games like Minecraft with the ability to catch and fight alongside creatures reminiscent of Pokémon – it saw plenty of coverage from games journalists and influencers alike. 

However, despite its lower age rating and popularity with young gamers, Palworld has been criticised for its reliance on shock humour – touching on topics including animal abuse and sweatshop labour – and as a game featuring online multiplayer, one can expect certain safety concerns to arise. Our Wake Up Wednesday guide dives into the risks of Palworld, offering expert tips on how to safeguard children who simply want to enjoy the game.

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Pop Ups

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Pop Ups’ below.

Download: What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Pop Ups [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

On the internet or on social media, it’s likely that you’ve come across the occasional pop-up – promising a great deal on some product or service, declaring that you’ve won some kind of prize, or making any other number of tempting claims. This marketing tactic has been around for almost 30 years and shows no signs of disappearing any time soon.

Unfortunately, pop-up advertising carries with it various online safety risks, as we can never be certain where those links will take us or how legitimate their creators are. These ads can be especially risky for children and young people, who may not yet be able to look at such marketing with a critical eye. However, our free online safety guide will educate you on pop-ups, their associated risks, and how to safeguard yourself and young people from this phenomenon.

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Helldivers 2

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Helldivers 2’ below.

Download: What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Helldivers 2 [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

Within the last few months, Helldivers 2 has propelled to immense popularity in the gaming community, with players of all ages enjoying its frenetic combat, humorous presentation, and challenging gameplay. Whether they’re cooperating with friends or competing with strangers, the game has attracted many young players despite its higher age rating. 

As can be expected from an online game – especially one rated 18+ – there are several inherent online safety risks posed to children and young people who play Helldivers 2; from the content of the game itself to the dangers of interacting with strangers online. Our guide highlights the most prominent hazards of Helldivers 2 and provides you with top tips for keeping its younger players safe.

What Parents & Educators Can Learn from the Ofcom Media Report 2024

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Can Learn from the Ofcom Media Report 2024’ below.

Download: What Parents & Educators Can Learn from the Ofcom Media Report 2024 [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

On 19th April 2024, Ofcom released their annual Media Use and Attitudes Report, detailing the findings of several surveys and their implications for parents, children and young people in the UK. These statistics often include plenty of thought-provoking information relating to online safety.

The report itself is extremely extensive, so instead we’ve provided a bespoke selection of data gathered by Ofcom about children and young people’s experiences on social media, video games and the like. Check our guide for a thorough breakdown of the headline findings.

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Shopping Platforms

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Shopping Platforms’ below.

Download: What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Shopping Platforms [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

Long gone are the days where eBay and Amazon were the only means of buying quality items online. The rise of user-friendly, accessible shopping apps has meant that getting clothes, gadgets and other goodies delivered direct to your door can be accomplished with a few touches of your phone’s screen while you’re on the go.

These apps aren’t without their issues, however, and users still run the risk of scams, data breaches and other online safety concerns. Being aware of these dangers will go a long way to keeping your money and information safe, so you can still enjoy what these shopping apps have to offer. Our guide has some top tips to help protect young people on these purchasing platforms.

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Township

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

Download: What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Township [PDF]

Thank you.

More Information

Potentially addictive online games are nothing new, but the specifics of this kind of media can vary enormously – and, as a consequence, the risks in each individual game are just as diverse. The city-builder Township is no exception: providing its legions of devotees with accessible, satisfying fun … but exposing them to potential hazards at the same time.

However, any safeguarding issues that the game might have can (with a little knowhow) be neutralised – allowing young players to have some engrossing fun without adults needing to worry about children’s data, their money or their mental wellbeing. Our guide outlines how to help young gamers enjoy Township safely and responsibly.