Live streaming apps

You may have seen the recent BBC report with regard to Live streaming apps such as Periscope run by Twitter. While such reports always have to be viewed in context it is a reminder to us all that we can find ourselves under pressure to behave on line in ways that we would not be comfortable with. The very sensible guidance about video chat use here applies to these live streaming apps and should be followed.

Keeping esafe over the Christmas Break

Christmas is an exciting time and many of us will be giving or receiving technology on Christmas Day. Whether it a new tablet, smartphone or gaming package it is very important that we ensure we support our excitement with these top festive esafety tips here.

Social media advice

Do you or members of your family have a passion for social media. If the answer is 'yes' then are you sure they are aware that there are a number of steps they can take to keep themselves safe. Check out the guidance here and why not have a family help session where you help each other to keep safe when socialising online.

Understanding the complexities of our childrens online lives.

Our people operate in ever more complex social circles using a range of online platforms. Much of this interaction is positive but can remain closed and seen by young people as not something they wish to discuss with adults. This is a problem when those online relationships breakdown or bring about negative consequences as our young people do not see the adults around them as having any useful advice to give. There is interesting and supportive advice linked from this article from BT to help us to establish stronger connections with young people so they are more likely to approach us when their problems occur through social media interaction.

Do you have questions about technology?

The range of technology through which we can access the internet can be bewildering and the straightforward advice from the Safer Internet Centre can be a really useful starting point to getting to grips with keeping yourself and the rest of the family safe with technology.

Nintendo Switch Parental Controls

Gaming consoles can be a great way to interact with friends but it is important that the technology is used safely. The Nintendo Switch console has a number of features to support this. Click here for further information.

For information with regard to parental controls on a number of devices please see the guidance here.

Musical.ly and e.safety concerns

A popular app where  users create a 15-second music video and choose the music from a song list. They are then shared online. The app has no minimum age for users, and most people make their videos public to get followers.

While many people use this app with no problem at all, as with all online content we have to be on our guard for those people who wish to make inappropriate contact with us. Musical.ly has encouraged parents to closely monitor their child's account, and to report any suspicious activity, as well as having an open dialogue about staying safe online. This follows an incident involving a pupil at a Bristol primary school where they were sent graphic sexually explicit  messages using this app

Considering screentime

In our ever connected world the challenge of maintaining a perspective on the amount of time we spend interacting online is an increasing topic for debate. This excellent article from our friends at South West Grid For Learning presents a thoughtful discussion of screentime.

Are you using your social network safely?

Remember to think very seriously about how you use your social networks. Nothing is private on the internet and you need to consider your online behaviour in the same way that you consider your behaviour in the real world. Please see the guidance here to help you manage your online reputation and if you are concerned that someone you know who may be sexting then encourage them to watch the video linked here.