The recent increase in phishing activity by hackers against Netflix and YouTube is the latest attempt by cybercriminals to take advantage of users spending more time online due to coronavirus. Phishing emails and URLs aim to steal sensitive information and can appear genuine and authentic so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to respond. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help trusted adults understand exactly what phishing is all about. https://nationalonlinesafety.com/hub/view/guide/phishing

Hi all,  

There has been a report in the media and tabloid press that a video is circulating on Tik-Tok with concerning and explicit content.  The video was taken from a live stream that was first uploaded to Facebook who took it down, but many people had downloaded and shared it. It was then uploaded to Instagram and Tik-Tok and now the original video has also been edited several times by others and that is also being shared.  

We wanted to make you aware of this video circulating and to make you aware of the risks and dangers of apps like Tik-Tok along with the importance on using and setting parental controls and security settings.  

Here are some good links that can help support you with regards to Tik-Tok, you could also check the online safety blog available on the Hurworth school website:  

https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/esafety-news/tik-tok-app-safety-what-parents-need-to-know/  – The link contains information about the app and how to set security settings and parental controls. 

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/social-media-advice-hub/social-media-concerns/ – Useful and practical information about social media concerns 

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/apps-guide/ – App guides 

This is the lik for more information of the guide that is mentioned in the previous blog post.

https://nationalonlinesafety.com/hub/view/guide/what-parents-need-to-know-about-online-content-10-tips-to-keep-your-children-safe-online

Last week’s distressing videos circulating on social media served as a reminder that it’s crucial to monitor children’s activities online, particularly if they’re watching user-generated content. Whilst measures can be taken to try and protect children as much as possible, there is always a chance that they might view something age-inappropriate or upsetting. That’s why we’ve created this useful guide providing some helpful tips on keeping children safe online. Read on to get your free guide and to catch up on the latest online safety news. 

As we approach school closures, lots of children and young people with time on their hands. Sony, Microsoft (Xbox) and Nintendo have already reported large increase in users on their platforms and the developers behind Fortnite have reported a large spike in users. Social media platforms have also reported an increase in use.

This is likely to continue over the coming weeks and months. So with that in mind here are some handy links for parents and carers on setting parental controls on consoles and gadgets that may help to ease some worries at least and to protect children from accessing inappropriate material and what not.

https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/ – Our personal favourite site for setting parental controls  with easy step by step picture guides on how to set controls on most popular gadgets.

www.darlington.gov.uk/disp – This is our own site that Colin and myself populate. It’s still new and we are and will be adding new content over the coming days and weeks. We have useful advice, guides and links on a variety of internet and gaming related topics/issues.

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/ – This is NSPCC site and contains some great information on popular apps and games.

We also recommend people to download the Pegi age rating app https://pegi.info/app available in all the app stores. The app provides excellent information on video game age ratings.

As well as the above whatever happens myself, Mike  and Colin will continue to provide information, we are looking at a joint email system to answer questions and queries and help plan for the changes in September 2020. We will also support and give advice to staff, families, children and young people if they need it with internet safety related issues.

This information is all on our DISP Webpage too:

YouTube after a long time of promising to improve online safety are making changes. The biggest change being that channels have to categorise their content for young people or not. Content for young people will not have comments enabled or the like/dislike function. We are really pleased at this step as too often the comments are damaging. Please click on the link below to find out more details on the YouTube updates.

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9383587?hl=en

With lots of additional consoles and devices bought over the Christmas period, we wanted to revisit how to stay safe online. Loot boxes are in many cases treated as a form of gambling and as such the Royal Society for Public Health has issued guidance (see attached). Spending lots of money on skins will also make our young people vulnerable. As always if anyone is concerned about online gaming, possible addictions or interactions with others online please speak to a member of staff in school.

https://www.rsph.org.uk/uploads/assets/uploaded/4fde195b-f96e-4e19-833448a76cf80b07.pdf

Children often want to portray the ‘best version’ of themselves online. They look for inspiration from others; from friends, family, social media influencers, celebrities and others. But do they appreciate that what they see isn’t always true? Are they aiming to emulate perfection from an imperfect image? And what effect can this have on their own mental health? Find out with this new guide.
Created by Anna Bateman, a subject matter expert on mental health and wellbeing, this guide looks at just how easily images can be altered online and the potential impact this can have on children as they strive to achieve a similar appearance. As always, the guide also provides a number of useful tips for parents and carers to share with their children. Click the button below to access your free guide now.

https://2j39y52a62gm1afygb3g1xbu-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/NOS-Appearance-Guide.pdf