Kooth

All students at RGS have had the opportunity to find out about the support that Kooth can give. There are online counsellors available from 12-10pm during the week and from 6-10pm on Saturday and Sunday. The service is completely anonymous  and while you are encouraged to create a log in you are not required to enter your name or any contact details should you not want to. We have had fantastic feedback about Kooth from students who have sought advice and guidance onb a range of issues around their wellbeing.

Off the Record

Off the Record are a fantastic charity operating in Bristol  focusing on personal well being including anxiety, self harm and anger management. The charity offer drop in sessions, workshops and online resources. Their website is quite basic but if you scroll down to the lower icons on each page there is a wide range of guidance.

Our online reputation.

Sometimes we do not consider the impact of our actions in the virtual world and there can be serious consequences. However when we make mistakes in the virtual world the impact can be more widespread. Take a moment to review this guide here and perhaps spend some shared time with your child supporting each other to ensure your settings for online activity are appropriate and fit for purpose. Click the link here. This resource is also really good for information on a range of online issues.

Getting to grips with parental controls.

A number of parents have found the internet matters website as a good resource for a range of device and internet safety information.

Momo Challenge

As you may be aware from the media, there is a new social media challenge targeting children and young adults called the ‘Momo Challenge,’ which has created concern throughout the country due to its disturbing nature. We are writing to make you aware of this challenge, provide you with information about it, and urge you to monitor your children’s use of social media and the Internet. The ‘Momo Challenge’ is a game found on Facebook and the app WhatsApp, and features a frightening character who asks its viewers to perform various tasks and provide photos as proof. The ‘Momo’ threatens those who do not perform the tasks. The ‘Momo’ character is now hacking into YouTube and YouTube Kids, popping up on screens whilst children are watching videos. If you would like to learn more about the ‘Momo Challenge’ please visit the links below. Please be warned that some of the images and stories may be disturbing.

https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/momo-online-safety-guide-for-parents

The link below is a useful website on ways that you can get involved in conversations with your child about what they are doing and who they are talking to online.

https://www.internetmatters.org/cyberbullying2-2/protect-your-child/

Drugs Awareness

If you are concerned about drugs and substance abuse the Talk to Frank website is a respected source of no nonsense clearly presented information with regard to drugs and substance abuse. The Bristol Drugs Project is a locally based source of information and guidance.

Remember that if you have concerns about your own safety or the safety of others due to drugs or substance abuse you can raise your concerns using the RGS anonymous reporting tool. Whisper.

Digital Friendships Report

There is some excellent commentary and analysis about how young people use and feel about the use of social media. It really helps those of us who are less comfortable with the use of online world to build and maintain relationships. You can read the review here.

Being in control

One of the themes of the upcoming Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 6 February is the idea that a safer internet comes from being in control of what you post and who you are in contact with. But what happens when you lose control and events spiral out of control. There is some fantastic advice on the SWGL website about a range of esafety topics and of particular note is this particularly focused guide to support young people who have been tricked into behaviours that place them at risk.

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.

Social Networking

Are you confused by your Instagrams and your Snapchat, really puzzled by Yo and confused by Periscope. Find out what makes these social networking sites tick by clicking this guidance here. Each entry has a link which will help you to ensure that you use these sites securely and responsibly. 

Parents, are you social networking securely? Ask your son or daughter for help as part of a shared conversation into e.safety. 

Remember to always think before you post when social networking and regardless of your security settings. If you would not be happy for the whole world to view what you write or the images you post don’t put it online. If you would like support with your on-line identity see some of the earlier posts on this blog or raise a specific request via the RGS Whisper service

Personal Resilience

Personal Resilience

The latest PSHE newsletter (Click here) deals with the important subject of personal resilience. Our ability to adapt well when times get tough and we experience significant sources of stress— such as family and friendship problems or exam stress identifies how resilient we are. If you are resilient you will "bounce-back" from difficult experiences but if you do struggle don’t panic resilience is something we can develop, check the guidance on this website .

Parents you can help your children develop their personal resilience The Edutopia website has a range of approaches and studies that can help you to build resilience within your family. The Parent Toolkit also has some useful advice.

Common Sense Media

Are you playing games/watching movies that are appropriate to your age or as a parent would you like to check the age classification  or appropriateness of a game. An excellent USA based website is Common Sense Media (Click here) on this site you can get reviews of games, films, books and apps. The website has heaps of recommendations for positive media that you can view and interact with.