Online Safety Blog

Snapchat is a popular social media platform among young people. The app has an age rating of 13+, which reflects its suitability for teenagers and older users. As parents, it is essential to understand the features and potential risks associated with the app. Snapchat allows users to share images and videos that disappear shortly after […]

Strong passwords are key for anyone to keep their information secure and device protected. Educating children on the importance of strong passwords should begin as soon as they start using devices to log in to accounts. Passwords can be hacked through a number of ways both virtually, such as phishing or by physically seeing a […]

ZEPETO is a popular app that allows children aged 13 and above to create 3D avatars and explore vibrant virtual worlds. Its age rating is somewhat contentious, with the Google Play store classifying it for ages 3+, while the Apple store rates it at 12+, causing concern among parents regarding its suitability for younger users. […]

Frequently, harmful and inappropriate online content seen by goes unreported by children. This could be the result of a number of issues such as, the feeling of shame, embarrassment or that they might get into trouble. In some cases, it may go unreported as children do not know what they need to do in order […]

In recent years, many online challenges have emerged that encourage creativity and teamwork, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised funds for charity, and various dance challenges that promote physical activity. While these positive challenges can foster a sense of community and engagement, it is essential to remain vigilant about the negative aspects that […]

As parents of primary-aged children, it is crucial to stay informed about the digital landscape your children inhabit. TikTok, an immensely popular social media platform with approximately 1.7 billion monthly active users, is particularly appealing to young people due to its short-form video content. However, it poses several risks that parents should be aware of. […]

You must be at least 13 years old to register for and use WhatsApp and due to the issues that can arise, particularly around groups chats, we strongly recommend that your child avoids using WhatsApp until they are older. There are many features of WhatsApp that could prove harmful for children. Firstly, the ‘Chat Lock’ […]

PEGI, Pan European Game Information, is the legally enforceable games rating system in the UK and useful tool for parents to ensure their child is playing games suitable for their age. All games released in the UK will have one of the following PEGI age ratings on the packaging: 3, 7, 12, 16 or 18. […]

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), in simple terms, are secure networks that allow users to access the internet privately and anonymously by masking their IP addresses. These services can typically be accessed through reputable applications or software available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Notable examples include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. While VPNs […]

Last month, Year 5 and 6 welcomed a Metropolitan Police officer who delivered an enlightening session on ‘cyber choices’. This session emphasised the importance of making informed decisions in an increasingly digital world. As many young people are naturally curious about technology, they often engage in coding and explore various online tools. These skills are […]