Online Safety – 29/11/23 – Microtransactions

Children are likely to have access to a range of apps and online games at home. However, within these apps, a feature called “microtransactions” has gained prominence, and it’s important to understand what they are and their potential risks. Microtransactions refer to small, often repeated financial transactions within apps or games. These can take various […]

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Online Safety 20/11/24 – Spotify

Many children enjoy listening to music through Spotify, a popular streaming service. While this platform offers a vast library of songs, it is essential for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with explicit content. Unsurprisingly, many songs on Spotify contain explicit lyrics, which, as we know, can be inappropriate for children. However […]

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Online Safety 13/11/24 – Smartwatches

As technology continues to advance, smartwatches have become a popular gift for children. It is important to remember that at St Catherine’s, smartwatches with internet access, messaging capabilities, and cameras are completely prohibited, even if these functions can be temporarily disabled. Smartwatches have both advantages and disadvantages that parents should consider. One significant downside is […]

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Online Safety 06/11/24 – ‘Add Everyone’ WhatsApp Groups

There have been recent growing concerns regarding a WhatsApp group phenomenon known as ‘Add Everyone’. These groups, which can take various forms, are alarming due to their potential to expose children and young people to explicit and harmful content, including sexual imagery, material promoting self-harm, and other inappropriate messages. These groups often lack control over […]

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Online Safety – 23/10/25 – Roblox

A new report has highlighted serious safety concerns with the popular online game Roblox, which is used by many primary-aged children. Subsequently, child safety campaigners have urged the UK communications watchdog to make a change in online safety laws. Although the game appears child-friendly, researchers found evidence of pornography and predators targeting children. Cases of […]

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Online Safety – 09/10/24 – Reporting Harmful Content

Recent research indicates that children are often reluctant to take action when they encounter harmful content or behaviours online. As a community, we can ensure that our children feel empowered to respond appropriately. At home, start by fostering open conversations about your children’s online experiences; if your child shares something distressing, it is crucial to […]

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Online Safety – 02/10/24 – Digital 5-a-day

As part of our online safety focus in school, some classes have looked at the digital 5-a-day. This is a really useful way of ensuring that our device use is positive. It focuses less on the length of screen time and more on the quality of screen time. Devices have provided children with a way […]

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