Online Safety Blog

Reddit is a popular website that serves as a vast online community where users can post content and engage in discussions on a myriad of topics. As adults, we can utilise Reddit effectively by creating discussions, responding to questions and reading these discussions on topics ranging from how to fix household items to seeking reassurance […]

Designed for those aged 13 and over, TikTok can pose various dangers to younger users, including exposure to inappropriate content and online interactions with strangers. TikTok allows users to create and share short videos, which can sometimes include inappropriate content or messages that are not suitable for children. Additionally, reports have shown that TikTok videos […]

As Christmas approaches, some parents may be contemplating the purchase of a smartphone for their child. It is therefore an important time to remind you of the Smartphone Free Childhood initiative. While the allure of a smartphone can be tempting, we urge families to reflect on the potential negative impacts associated with smartphone use, particularly […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing and changing at a rapid pace. It is therefore imperative that we, as adults, develop our understanding of it. One area that is often misunderstood is the difference between traditional AI and generative AI. Unlike traditional AI, such as virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, and recommendation systems used by […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]