This Week’s Online Safety Update – Click the title for more.
24.4.24 Shopping Platforms
Quality merchandise Fair prices What’s not to love? The possibility of bagging a bargain and the ability to sell your own unwanted items have made online marketplaces like Vinted and Depop into an attractive option for anyone looking to save money or make a little extra cash for themselves in these challenging economic times. Unfortunately, however, these services (and numerous others like them) can still be …
17.4.24 Energy Drinks
Close to a third of children in the UK consume energy drinks at least once every week While these high-caffeine beverages might be touted as a shortcut to a boost in focus and productivity, even a moderate intake can lead to significant impacts on the heart, sleeping patterns and mental wellbeing. With celebrity spokespeople, colourful branding …
27.3.24 Clickbait
Around one in five headlines online are clickbait That’s an estimate from experts at Stanford University, who conducted a study into this phenomenon which has gradually extended its reach to almost every corner of the internet – powered by a strategy of snagging users’ attention by any means necessary rather than a legitimate desire to inform …
20.3.24 Encouraging Open Conversations at Home
Children can often be guarded about their emotions or any difficulties they’re experiencing This reticence can extend to chats with their parents. A study by the Office for National Statistics found that 64% of children reported regularly talking to their mum about “things that matter”, and even fewer (45%) held conversations of the same kind with …
14.3.24 Developing Healthy Sleep Patterns
Dreaming of a decent night’s sleep? Many of us are – and it’s a particularly pervasive problem for young people. Concerningly, research has suggested that around 70% of teens get less than the recommended 8–10 hours’ sleep per night. The effects of poor-quality sleep on a developing mind, of course, can be harmful over a prolonged period. Although …
6.3.24 Tekken 8
£10 million in sales within 10 days 50,000 simultaneous players The fighting game Tekken 8 has enjoyed an astounding degree of success since its release in late January. Its impressive presentation and entertaining roster of characters has struck a chord, both with long-term fans and newcomers to the Tekken series – many of whom are children and …
28.2.24 Bullying
The latest bullying research from the DfE makes for upsetting reading Almost half (40%) of schoolchildren in the UK have been bullied within the past 12 months – with 21% of them experiencing negative changes to their behaviour, including avoiding going to school. In 15% of those cases, the victim’s behaviour suffers to the extent that …
21.2.24 Self-regulation
Learning to deal with everyday difficulties The ability to manage our feelings, thoughts and behaviours in effective ways – known as self-regulation – is gained gradually through childhood and into adolescence. It’s acknowledged as a pivotal element in young people’s development but can prove trickier for some children to master than others In our #WakeUpWednesday guide this week, …
7.2.24 Online Safety Update
Online video calling with random strangers It’s hardly a new internet phenomenon – but the recent demise of Omegle has prompted the creation of several similar platforms bidding to fill the vacuum. One such contender is Monkey – a service that randomly connects its users for video calls, using their mobile numbers and Snapchat account details …