Online safety may 2017

Plan for this afternoon To take a closer look at different forms of social media our children are using. To identify ways we can help keep our children safe. To answer any of your questions.

youtube A video sharing website where children can watch and upload videos. Many of our children have a Youtube account. However, to open an account children should be 18 years old, or 13 years with parent’s permission. Problems: Children are uploading videos in their school uniform They are sharing personal information e.g. name/age/location If not uploading, children are able to view inappropriate material, which links itself to innocent videos

facebook A social media website where people upload pictures, information and can share all forms of media. The legal age limit to open a Facebook account is 13 years old. Facebook is a brilliant way to keep in touch with family and friends. However, as with any form of social media children can be contacted by strangers.

twitter A social media website where people can share media and contact others. A media very popular with celebrities and more teenagers than younger children. Age limit is again 13 years old. If accounts are open, children can be contacted by anybody with a Twitter account. They are also able to see anything which other open accounts post.

snapchat An instant messaging service where users can message each other, as well as send images. Pictures/videos are sent to a ‘friend’ and will show on their screen for a maximum of 10 seconds before they disappear. Users can also create their own story which can be seen by all their ‘friends’. If users are accepting people they don’t know there is a risk of users being sent inappropriate images or videos. Can also be used as a cyber bullying tool where users are sent horrible messages and pictures from others.

Musical.ly A video sharing website where users upload themselves performing to short clips of music. If account is left open the videos can be seen by anybody with an account. Users are encouraged to like/dislike and comment on the videos.

Instant messaging/whatsapp Groups can be created on many instant messaging providers. Most devices are set up with a form of instant messaging. To be able to send another person an instant message on Whatsapp, the user needs to know the contact details for the other person e.g. phone number/email address. Although most of the time the use of IM is between known people and completely innocent, there have been many cases of cyberbullying through IM. If users are sharing their details online they could also be in contact with strangers.

Instagram Instagram began as a picture sharing website, but now users are able to message other users and upload videos. The age limit again for Instagram is 13 years old. There is the option to keep their account private, but if left open all pictures and videos can be seen by any other user. Instagram also has a browse option where users are able to see images/videos which the website thinks they might like.

What can we do? Most people you will talk to will have some form of social media and therefore it is inevitable our children will too. Here are some top tips to keep your children safe online: Follow the age restrictions on websites – if you’re unsure you can find them on google. Make sure any device your child uses has parental controls on. Have access to your child’s device – do not allow them to lock it with a password. Check the device regularly. Set a timer for when the device stops being used OR do not allow your child to have the device in their room. Keep up to date with the latest trends and social media. Talk to your child/children.

Any questions?

Thank you for coming