Online Safety Blog

Apple regularly updates its iOS software and many iPhones will have ‘automatic updates’ selected meaning, provided the phone has enough storage and charge, it will install the updated software automatically. With a recent update (iOS 17.2), an iOS app called ‘Journal’ was installed, with the goal of providing a space for users to reflect privately […]

Tuesday 6th February is Safer Internet Day. The theme this year is ‘Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online’. This year at St Catherine’s we invite all parents and carers of children from years 2 to 6 to join their child for their online safety workshop in school. Please see your Ping messages for more information on dates and times and […]

Disney+ is a family friendly streaming service that combines a number of franchises such as Disney itself and National Geographic. As it grows in popularity, it is important to note some safety measures to ensure their experience remains both enchanting and secure. Firstly, we highly recommend setting up Junior Mode or specifying the content age […]

As the festive season approaches and thoughts turn to gift-giving, we’d like to share some important advice on ensuring the safety of children when purchasing new devices like tablets this Christmas. While these gadgets bring joy and connectivity, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. We encourage you to take the time to research and select age-appropriate […]

In the realm of online content, it’s essential to remain vigilant about what our children are exposed to. Recently, a new YouTube cartoon series called Jeffy has gained popularity. At first glance, it may seem suitable for children due to its colourful animation and playful characters. However, it’s crucial to note that Jeffy is actually […]

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, apps and games have become an integral part of children’s lives. However, within these applications, 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 […]

As smart TVs become a staple in our homes, it’s crucial to prioritise our children’s safety while they enjoy these devices. Here are quick tips to keep your kids safe with smart TVs: Set Parental Controls: Utilise built-in controls to limit access to age-appropriate content and set up passwords to prevent unauthorised access. Privacy Check: […]

Whilst smartwatches (those with access to the internet or messaging or those with cameras) are not allowed in school, in recent years they have become a popular gift for children and many wear them in their free time. As with all technology, there are a number of pros and cons for smart watches. One of […]

Yoti is an app that states it is “Shaping the future of digital identity. We make it safer for people to prove who they are.” Yoti can be used to prove users’ identities when using online services as well as in person such as in supermarkets. It can also be used to verify age for […]

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. […]