E-Safety
Welcome to our E-Safety Information page. Here you will find helpful information about E-Safety.
Useful Information
E-Safety
Find information about e-safety and how to stay safe online.
Spending real-world money on digital items (Gaming)
Loot boxes in video games
Key Stage 4 students have been investigating the link between loot boxes in video games and gambling. As part of their study, they explored how loot boxes function as randomised rewards that players can purchase, often without knowing what they will receive. The students analysed how game companies design loot boxes to be appealing to young people by using eye-catching visuals, limited-time offers, and rarity of rewards to create excitement and a sense of urgency. They also examined how the psychological mechanics behind loot boxes, such as the use of dopamine-driven rewards and the thrill of chance, can resemble gambling behaviour.
Use the links below to find out more, and get advice about and loot box concerns.
Smartphone Advice
When is the right time for me to purchase a smartphone for my child?
There are lots of benefits that technology provides but there are also risks that we should consider. Nip it in the bud has released an impactful film alongside some parent information that we feel would be beneficial for parents considering the question around smartphones.
Purchasing A Smart phone for a child?Is it the right time to get my child a Smart phone? This is something we are asked a lot especially by Primary School Parents. A new film by the charity Nip in the Bud discusses the hidden dangers of social media and smartphone use among children. If you are considering getting your child a phone we would urge you to watch the film here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zhfd0jW7iY&t=605s the film provides insights from children, headteachers and doctors, shedding light on the everyday harm caused by digital platforms.Key facts:
- 90% of 11-year-olds own a smartphone, and most under 13 have a social media profile.
- 90% of girls and 50% of boys have received explicit pictures or videos they didn’t want to see.
- 80% of teenage girls are pressured to provide sexual images of themselves.
- 1 in 5 children have been bullied online. Among them, 24% self-harm and 22% change their appearance due to bullying. Only 13% delete the app where they are bullied.
- Boys as young as 13 have been targeted for sextortion scams.
- MRI scans show screen time reduces brain areas responsible for visual processing, empathy, attention, memory and early reading skills.
- Psychologists, headteachers and GPs are advocating for stricter guidelines: no smartphones until age 14, no social media until age 16
A list of links for e-safety advice for students, parents and carers
Internetmatters.org
Click here for: Internet matters
Internet Matters supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety.
Childnet.com
Click here for: Childnet
Childnet is a UK-based charity who empower children, young people, and those who support them in their online lives, and its mission is to work with others to make the internet a great and safe place for children and young people.
NSPCC
We're working for a safer internet for children. Whether we're campaigning or counselling, we're fighting to protect children from online abuse and helping them recover if they've experienced it.