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Online Safety: Discord
Discord gives young people a space to chat, play games and join communities based around shared interests. While it can be a positive way to connect with friends, there are also important risks for parents and educators to understand. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide highlights: • Contact with strangers • Harassment and harmful behaviour • Exposure to inappropriate content • Gaming and socialising becoming a distraction • Spending and subscription risks It also shares practical advice on using Discord’s Family Centre, reviewing privacy and spending settings, talking openly about suspicious behaviour and agreeing clear expectations around screen time. Read the guide here: https://vist.ly/5jh5f #Safeguarding #OnlineSafety #DigitalWellbeing #Education
Online Safety: Character AI
Character.AI enables users to create and interact with AI-powered characters that can behave like friends, mentors, fictional characters or romantic partners. While these tools can feel engaging and emotionally supportive, they also introduce important safeguarding, wellbeing and privacy considerations for children and young people. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide supports parents, carers and educators in understanding the risks and opening constructive conversations around AI companionship. The guide explores: • Inappropriate content and unreliable advice • Emotional dependency and blurred boundaries • Privacy concerns linked to personal information • Warning signs such as secretive or excessive use • Withdrawal from real-world activities and relationships • Practical steps around age settings, limits and reporting concerns With clear, accessible guidance, this resource helps adults support safer, more balanced and informed use of AI character platforms. Access the guide here: https://vist.ly/5hs5g #Safeguarding #OnlineSafety #ArtificialIntelligence
Year 3- PSHE- Online Safety Lesson: "None of your business!"
This afternoon, our Year 3 class looked at a lesson titled "None of your business!" which focused on internet safety, privacy, and personal data. The children started with a fun "Guess Who?" game about celebrities to explore how we share information. They then watched an educational film clip called Lee and Kim by CEOP, which taught them about the potential dangers of sharing private details online with strangers. Through Super Sid’s top tips, the children learnt to recognise the "uh-oh" feeling (butterflies in the tummy) when something doesn't feel right and understood that they should always tell a trusted adult. We also discussed the concept of a "digital tattoo" to emphasise that once information or photos are posted on the internet, they are almost impossible to remove permanently. The class did a fantastic job learning how to keep themselves safe, private, and respectful online.
Online Safety: Minecraft
Minecraft continues to be a highly popular platform for children, combining creativity, problem-solving and social interaction. While the game can offer positive opportunities for learning and play, features such as public servers, multiplayer modes and in-game communication can create safeguarding challenges. Our latest guide supports educators and parents in understanding these risks and helping children play more safely. The guide explores: • Public server communication and contact with unknown players • Griefing, disruptive behaviour and online conflict • In-game spending and subscription costs • Addictive gameplay loops and balanced screen time • Safer settings, private servers and suitable game modes With clear, practical advice, the guide helps adults set boundaries, encourage safer choices and support responsible Minecraft use. Access the guide: https://vist.ly/54tfx #Safeguarding #OnlineSafety #Minecraft
Year 5 - Online Safety
Year 5 discussed the ways in which it’s possible to feel lonely while online and how they can overcome these feelings. Loneliness can occur when people are unkind to you, don’t reply to messages or leave group chats. We talked about how going offline to talk to friends and family can be helpful as well as entertaining yourself by watching funny videos or listening to happy music.
Help Neurodivergent Children Tackle the Online World
Neurodivergent children are often early adopters of technology, making supported online experiences especially important. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide helps parents and educators understand how to create safe, positive digital environments. It explores key considerations, including: • Modelling responsible online behaviour • Setting age-appropriate boundaries • Encouraging open and supportive conversations • Understanding emerging risks such as AI-generated content The guide also highlights the importance of balancing screen time with offline activities to support wellbeing and development. Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/536kq #Education #Safeguarding #OnlineSafety #Neurodiversity
Online Safety: Managing Exam Stress
Exam periods can place significant pressure on young people, affecting their confidence, focus and overall wellbeing. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide explores realistic and supportive strategies to help manage this pressure. It highlights practical approaches, including: • Organising workload and reducing overwhelm • Using active and creative revision techniques • Creating calm, focused study environments • Using technology, including AI, in a thoughtful way The guide also emphasises the importance of maintaining balance, motivation and positive wellbeing during exam preparation. Download the guide here:https://vist.ly/428mn #Education #Wellbeing #Safeguarding #TeachingAndLearning #WakeUpWednesday
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Online Safety: YouTube
YouTube continues to be one of the most popular platforms for young people, offering a mix of entertainment, creativity and learning. However, its vast content library and recommendation systems can also expose children to risks that are not always easy to spot. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide highlights key concerns, including: • Inappropriate or extreme content • Interaction with strangers • Risky trends and challenges • The impact of short-form content It also offers practical advice, such as using YouTube Kids, setting parental controls and watching content together. Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/4zbr3 #OnlineSafety #Safeguarding #DigitalParenting #WakeUpWednesday
Year 3- Class Meeting- Should TIKTOK be banned?
During our class meeting, James and Alice led a debate on whether TikTok should be banned. The children shared many strong points, with those in favour of a ban arguing that the app can be unsafe for young children, time-consuming, and sometimes used for unkind behaviour. On the other hand, those who disagreed pointed out that TikTok is a fun way to be creative, learn new skills like dancing or crafts, and stay connected with friends. After a long discussion where everyone gave good reasons for their opinions, we held a vote. The "Yes" side received the highest number of votes, so we will be taking further action on this in a few weeks. We also looked back at our work raising money for a brain tumour cure, showing how important it is for our class to speak up and take action for things we believe in. We will be baking to raise money soon. It is wonderful to see the class so eager to speak up and take real action to help others.
Online Safety: App and Play Stores
With millions of apps available and children accessing them from an increasingly young age, app stores can present a range of risks. From malware and copycat apps to inappropriate content and persuasive in-app purchases, this Wake Up Wednesday guide highlights how easily young users can encounter issues – even when using official platforms. It also offers clear, practical advice to help parents and educators manage these risks. From setting up parental controls and checking app credibility to having open conversations about safe usage, the guide supports adults in building children’s awareness, encouraging safer choices and promoting more balanced, responsible app use
Online Safety: Online Trends Encouraging Violence
Violent clips, online conflicts and shock-value challenges can spread rapidly across social media platforms. Many young people are exposed to this content through algorithms or messaging groups, even when they were not actively searching for it. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide explores how viral trends can encourage risky behaviour, normalise violence and create anxiety or fear within communities. The guide also highlights: • The emotional and legal risks of sharing violent content • How social media algorithms amplify harmful material • Practical advice for parents and educators Download the guide and support safer online conversations with young people: https://vist.ly/4vah7 #OnlineSafety #Safeguarding #DigitalWellbeing #WakeUpWednesday
Online Safety: Streaming Services
Streaming platforms have quickly become one of the most popular ways for children to watch TV and films. But behind the convenience of on-demand content are several risks that parents and educators should be aware of. From excessive screen time and binge watching to age-inappropriate material and algorithm-driven recommendations, our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the realities of children’s streaming habits. It also provides practical advice to help families create safer viewing environments, including: ✔️ Setting up individual profiles and PINs ✔️ Managing screen time and autoplay ✔️ Talking to children about algorithms and stereotypes Download the free guide and help support safer streaming habits at home. https://vist.ly/4uh7n #OnlineSafety #WakeUpWednesday #DigitalWellbeing #SafeguardingChildren