Online Safety

Download: Online Safety Policy 2023-2024 [PDF]

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about In-Game Chat

Please find the National College guide for ‘What Parents & Educators Need to Know about In-Game Chat’ below.

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Online gaming enjoys an apparently ever-increasing level of popularity, and many players are eager to connect with one another as they enjoy a friendly competition or go for the win side by side. Whether it’s to strategise and coordinate, or simply have a chat as you indulge in your hobby, the fact remains that plenty of games now offer means for their players to talk to one another, be that in a text or voice format.

Unfortunately, this functionality – which is used to connect with strangers just as often as it is with friends – poses several risks to younger players, and it’s vital for parents and educators to understand these safety concerns. This free guide offers expert advice on the issues that may arise when using in-game chat, and lets you know how to safeguard the children in your care as they make use of this technology. We’ve also produced a version of this guide in podcast format, so you can access the same superb support while you’re on the go.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Instagram

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

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Instagram is one of the most well-known social media platforms around, frequented by users of all ages all over the world, and allowing them to share photos and videos with friends, family and the wider public if they wish. The site has many younger users, allowing people as young as 13 to create an account and engage with its community.

As a popular choice of platform for teenagers, it’s vital that parents and educators understand the risks associated with the site and what can be done to mitigate them. This free guide lets you know about the most prominent safety concerns on Instagram, offering expert advice on how to make young people’s experiences on the app as secure as possible. So you can absorb this invaluable information while you’re on the go, we’ve also created an accompanying version of this guide in a podcast format.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.