When choosing the best games console to purchase, it’s important to think about who in the family will be using it, where it will be used, what it offers over existing technology you already have and the type of content you’re happy for your children to have access to.

Internet Matters have created a handy guide HERE

As we ease into the festive season, parents might be planning to gift their children new devices or games. Reduce the likelihood of online safety incidents in the new year with guidance to help them set up safe.

Internet Matters have created a resource to share with parents and students which encourages the use of parental controls and privacy settings for a safe and happy holiday season.

Read the guide HERE

Webwise Ireland have got some fabulous, free resources that you can have a look at including talking points, guides, tips and more, all of which can be downloaded for free from HERE

For many parents the online world can sometimes feel like a minefield, where children are way ahead in terms of their knowledge, that they can circumvent every parental protection and have little control over behaviour and consequences. 

In many respects technology is a smokescreen which becomes a barrier. But how we help and protect our children, how we set rules and consequences should not be any different from the real world to the online world.

Leonie Smith has written a useful, down to earth article which I feel explains this really well, explaining that this needs to start early in the child's life and it isn't about trying to stay one step ahead or trying to outsmart children. 

Take a look for yourself HERE

It has come to our attention that explicit sexualised content has been broadcast on the popular livestreaming platform, Twitch, frequently used by children and young people. We are concerned that additional posts and articles about the livestream have since emerged on Reddit, Twitter and TikTok. 

This Ineque Safeguarding Alert has been published to support parents, carers and safeguarding professionals in protecting children and young people in their care from exposure to explicit sexual content online.

You can read the article HERE

Many grandparents will be carers for children either in a full time or part time capacity and it is vital that they have a good understanding of the risks and issues faced by children and young people. 

Internet Matters have put together a fabulous guide for grandparents giving advice on a range of issues such as:

Screen time.
Online gaming.
Managing money.
Peer pressure
and more.

You can find the article HERE

The BeReal app has been around for a while now and it's not that widespread, but those who are using it seem to enjoy it because it is so different from the usual Snapchat/TikTok social media. 

With that said, there is likely to be some children and young people in school who are using the app so it is worth making parents aware of some of the concerns around it. 

There is a good article about BeReal on the Childnet website HERE.

Roblox is a massively popular game with children and younger teens and it has recently come under a lot of criticism in relation to apparent financial exploitation, inappropriate content and grooming amongst others. The BBC radio programme File on 4 recently carried out an investigation and series of interviews. You can still listen to this part of the programme HERE and what you hear may shock some.

If your child uses Roblox, it might be worth looking at the safety and security settings within the game.

Wayne Denner has a guide to Roblox for parents HERE

The number of children and young people having access to the internet is forever growing and therefore a strong password is essential. 

Passwords are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting your personal information. 

Check out Ineqe's "Password 101" article for the latest tips for staying password protected HERE

Halloween is just around the corner!!

It can be difficult for parents and carers to decide what is ‘age appropriate’ and what is not. Ineqe's "Handle with Scare" article and downloadable 'Scareable shareable' will explain what the horror genre is, why it's popular, potential risks and much much more...!!!

Click HERE to read the article

As well as schools having a good understanding of cyber security, it is really important for parents and children too. 

Internet Matters have put together a really good, simple article so that parents can learn more about cyber security which you can access HERE

ESafety Expert, Wayne Denner, has created a FREE exciting resource that you can now download which has their Top 10 Tips for everyday online life.  

To read the guide, click HERE

Internet Matters have put together a Cyberbullying Advice Hub for more advice on the topic, including how to deal with common cyberbullying issues.

Visit the hub, HERE

Roblox is an incredibly popular games across all ages, but particularly children. 

Until now Roblox has been rated 10+ by ESRB and 7+ by PEGI. This has changed to 'Teen' by ESRB and 'PEGI ! Parental Guidance Recommended' by PEGI. 

Additionally, Roblox is introducing more parental controls to filter different experiences dependent on the age of the user. This is an interesting and welcome development due to the incredible amount of user-generated content within Roblox, and a change that I'm sure many parents will welcome.

To read more you can view THIS article in Forbes.

We have been made aware of a new Phishing Scam circulating overnight through text, known as the 'Energy Bills Scam'. The scam involves receiving a text message from the UK Government informing you that you are eligible for a discounted energy bill as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. The application link then takes you to a convincing duplicate of the GOV.UK website where your details are asked for.

Ineqe's Scam Alert will help you understand what the scam is, how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims and what you can do if you’ve been scammed.

Read the article HERE

Online bullying is a concern for many parents, online can often be a hidden aspect of many children's lives and children will not always talk if they are being bullied. 

Internet Matters have put some expert tips together for parents which are split by ages. 

You can access the tips HERE.

We have recently become aware of an increase in a phishing scam, often known as ‘Hi Mum’. The scam involves the impersonation of friends or family members, and can be conducted through text message or an instant messaging service, such as WhatsApp.

Ineqe's Scam Alert will help you understand what the scam is, how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims and what you can do if you’ve been scammed.

Read the article HERE

National Online Safety have added a new guide for Roblox.  

You can read their guide HERE and visit their website HERE

Many of us will have noticed our social media feeds full of the above with proud friends and family sharing images of their children in their new school uniform for First Day or First Day Back.

Whilst it’s a great way to keep close family and friends up to date with what’s happening with the kids, especially if they live a distance away, it’s important to remember that social media profiles are by their very nature, not just limited to family and friends.

So here’s a few things just to keep in mind for these shots and any other pic’s of your children you share on social media.

Wayne Denner has produced a handy video to help parents set up Parental Controls on Snapchat.  Watch the video <<<<HERE