In support of Safer Internet Day, the NSPCC is offering media:
Online safety experts and commentary
Advice to parents and carers – including helping children game safely & spotting unhealthy relationships
The latest on NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign for robust online safety law
Information on #PlayYourPart online games night
Contact the NSPCC Cymru/Wales press team to set-up an interview or for more information contact on 029 2010 8159 or email walespressoffice@nspcc.org.uk.
The theme of the UK Safer Internet Centre’s 2022 awareness-raising day is ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’.
During the pandemic, online gaming saw a huge increase. According to latest research from OFCOM, seven out of ten 5-15s played games online during 2020. Gaming continues to be a hugely popular way of young people connecting with friends.
The NSPCC has created a bespoke workshop, ‘Keeping children safe whilst gaming online’, for parents and carers to help their children game safely and spot unhealthy relationships.
While gaming and the internet has been a vital lifeline for children during the pandemic, many children have had a negative experience online. Here’s what Kate Edwards, NSPCC Associate Head of Child Safety Online has to say:
“Online gaming plays an important part in many children and young people’s lives. It provides them with entertainment, opportunities to learn new skills and allows them to stay connected with their friends. But there can be risks involved.
“Talking to your child about what they’re doing online is an important tool in helping to keep them safe. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to have this conversation, so why not #PlayYourPart and hold a family online games night to get talking.
“Our new online safety hub is here to support parents to start these conversations with their child about keeping safe online.”
More information about how to get involved in #PlayYourPart can be found on the NSPCC’s new blog, ‘How much do you know about your child’s favourite online game?’.
Online Safety Bill – the latest
The NSPCC has long campaigned to make the internet a safer place for children and young people, with 1 in 5 UK internet users now children. The public are being urged to join over 30,000 campaigners and sign the charity’s letter to Nadine Dorries, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to put children at the heart of the Online Safety Bill.
The NSPCC’s online safety hub
Those looking for further support can visit the NSPCC’s Online Safety hub. Parents and carers can visit the hub to find advice and tips to help keep kids safe online. This includes pages for social media, online gaming and parental controls, explaining the risks and steps you can take to help keep your kids safe online. There’s also information on what parents need to know about topics such as sharing nudes, livestreaming, harmful content and online reporting.
Resources:
Resources to help your family talk about online safety including a word search, quiz and family agreement.
Safer Internet Day blog and activity sheet with more information on how to hold a games night.
The NSPCC have also developed memorable advice to help parents start the conversation:
G – get to know the platform
A – ask open questions
M – master the basics together
E – explore privacy and safety settings
Support for young people
Childline also has support for young people about how they can navigate their lives online, while professionals can visit NSPCC Learning to find advice, tools and resources to help keep children safe online.
The UKSIC also have a range of resources and information for parents and careers, including top tips, activities, and videos, and professionals this Safer Internet Day.
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