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How to stay safer on Fortnite in 60 seconds

Fortnite: Battle Royale has dominated the gaming world. Fortnite is a survival game where 100 users drop on to an island from a bus held up by a hot air balloon. The aim of the game is to be the last person standing.

Top Tips include;

• Party Master
• Reporting Players
• Personal Information
• Addictive Nature

Here is your 60 second video into staying safe on the game that has taken the gaming world by storm

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Safer Internet Day Tuesday 5^th February 2019

The theme for Safer Internet Day is ‘Together for a better internet’.

The UK Safer Internet Centre has put together a range of FREE Resources for parents, carers, teachers, educators, professionals and children.

 

Visit their website to get yours or watch their video to find out more. Remember to share widely with all your contacts to help everyone use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

 

Happy Safer Internet Day!

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Do you share about your children on Social Media?  

Sharing the family album and family life has been transformed by changes in society and technology. Described as a ‘marmite’ issue, parents are now sharing photos, videos and stories online with family and friends but there are lots of debates about “Sharenting”. On one hand, there are arguments that in an increasingly digitized world, the line between online and offline is as transparent and as outdated as traditional notions of friends, family or privacy and the benefits of sharenting are outweighed by any potential risks. On the other hand, there’s concerns about children’s privacy, dignity and digital footprints as well as unknown risks from data profilers and online predators. This Booklet provides evidence-informed TOP TIPS to help parents make decisions about sharing online.

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Screen Time Rules – Controlling, Confident or Casual?

Being a parent in the digital age and trying to make the best decisions about children’s online activities can be challenging.  There are lots of debates about “screen time rules” which can create confusing messages for parents.   This Infographic  provides evidence-informed guidance for parents to make confident- rather than controlling or casual- decisions about ‘screen time’ and get the balance right.

Want to keep up to date with tips on how to parent in the digital age? Visit ParentZone and for evidence and research, Click here

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Fortnite- What is it?

 

Net Aware is the NSPCC and O2’s no-nonsense guide about the most popular sites, apps and games young people use.

It equips parents and professionals with information including the recommended age, safety features and settings available as well as the types of risks children and young people might encounter.

If your own children or young people you work with are all talking about ‘Fortnite’ you will find information on this and other popular apps, games and sites by going to: https://www.net-aware.org.uk/

You can also get it as an App on your phone or tablet which will keep you up to date when you are on the go!

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Moral Panic or Justified Concern about 13 Reasons Why?

 

13 Reasons Why is a Netflix Programme which has caused much controversy about the depiction of challenging issues including teenage suicide.

On one side of this argument, it is suggested the programme ‘glamorises’ suicide however on the other, such ‘fictional portrayal’ of this difficult topic may in fact empower vulnerable young people by normalising mental health issues and conversely, may encourage help-seeking behaviours.   Netflix created a Downloadable Viewing Guide that parents can use with their teens to discuss and explore this topic.

Read more by clicking on the London School of Economics’ Parenting for a Digital Future Blog:  3-and-a-half reasons why a TV show does not result in an increase in suicide attempts and ideation

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Don’t make your child compete for your attention

An infographic was developed by a group of 2nd year Adult Nursing students at Ulster University (2018) alongside Digital Safeguarding Steering Group member, Sonia Montgomery, from the WHSCT Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department, click here to view.

The infographic raises awareness about parents’ excessive use of screen time and its impact on young children’s mental health.

Evidence suggests that the use of smartphones, tablets and other devices can lead to less meaningful communication between parent and child, which can leave them feeling anxious, unloved and struggling to learn in school.

This resource highlights the benefits of shared screen time and offers helpful advice about how to use digital technology in a way that will positively impact your child’s wellbeing.

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Are you having a ‘Digital’ Christmas?   

 

ü  Are you thinking about purchasing a device such as a Bluetooth-enabled toy, smart phone, Tablet, games console or laptop for your child this Christmas? 

ü  Does this year’s letter to Santa have you completely baffled because of tech-jargon?  

ü  Are you worried about whether or not these devices are appropriate for your child’s age?

ü  Would you like some professional help on issues such as parental controls and security? 

 

Here are three tips if you answered yes to any of the above:

 

• TheNSPCC o2 Helpline can provide you with advice and guidance over the phone or you can arrange an appointment with an O2 Guru (you do not need to be an O2 Customer).  Learn more here or phone the Helpline on 0808 8005002.   

 

• For parents of keen gamers,Ask About Games will give specific information about PEGI ratings, top games (including family friendly games) and simple guidance on how to put parental controls on consoles, handhelds, Tablets or phones.

 

• You can also visitNetaware (or download the Netaware app) to keep you up-to-date, with simple advice on what’s new in social networking. Netware reviews privacy settings, suitable ages and appropriate content for over 50 sites.   

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: 13 Reasons Why

 

13 Reasons Why is a Netflix Programme which has caused much controversy about the depiction of challenging issues including teenage suicide.

 On one side of this argument, it is suggested the programme ‘glamorises’ suicide however on the other, such ‘fictional portrayal’ of this difficult topic may in fact empower vulnerable young people by normalising mental health issues and conversely, may encourage help-seeking behaviours.  

 Netflix created a Downloadable Viewing Guide that parents can use with their teens to discuss and explore this topic.

 Read more by clicking on the London School of Economics’ Parenting for a Digital Future Blog:

 3-and-a-half reasons why a TV show does not result in an increase in suicide attempts and ideation

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Digital Wellbeing  

Trying to be confident about children’s technology use can be challenging for parents, carers and professionals. There are many Myths which may cause ‘panic’ about potential dangers and some may lament that technology is ‘Stealing’ children’s innocence.   

To counter some of these challenges by providing factual information and tangible support, Childnet have developed Guidance and Resources for parents focused on what impact the online world can have on children and young people’s lives and wellbeing.

The resources are separated into relevant age groups ranging from 3 to 18 year olds and provide advice, information about what children are doing online, ‘top tips’ to support young people and helpful ‘conversation starters’. Access the resources and much more here.  

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: Is my phone listening to me?

Have you ever been talking to someone and the next time you check your phone that very topic pops up either as an advertisement, in your newsfeed or as a suggestion in your search engine? Have you wondered whether your phone is listening to you?

Today’s mobile phones have inbuilt microphones which are used for making phone calls, playing games or even to search online using your voice.

If you are interested in finding out which apps are using your microphone, or if you are thinking about your own privacy and who has access to your ‘data’, you can change your app permissions.  There are tutorials online but here are some simple tips:

IPhone- Go to your Settings/Privacy/Microphone and there you can toggle the microphone on/off for each App.

Android- Go to Settings/Apps. Select each app individually to see what their permissions are and turn off/on the microphone.  Some Androids will have a ‘three-dot’ button in the top right hand corner of the Apps page. Tap on that and ‘app permissions’ will come up and you can see at a glance how many apps have access to your microphone.

Message in a Minute from the Western Digital Safeguarding Steering Group: What is ‘Skin Gambling’ and what do parents need to know?  

ParentZone conducted a report in June this year looking into the issue of ‘skin gambling’ which is betting virtual currencies in gaming and e-sports in return for ‘skins’, which are ‘virtual items to decorate and customise weapons’.  

Although this is just a bit of competitive fun for many gamers, it can become problematic and even addictive, as gaming and ‘e-sports’ are designed to persuade children and young people to stay online through rewards, loot boxes, mystery chests and other incentives which can cost time and money.  £1 here and there to buy something in a game can add up quickly!

Unlike traditional gambling, there is no regulation and as the line between ‘gaming’ and ‘gambling’ continues to weaken, ParentZone is calling for parents, children and Policy makers to be aware of this issue. Read here for more tips and information on skin gambling.