Internet safety & Harms
Emoji's, DM's, Insta, The internet! An amazing resource which has revolutionised they way we connect and communicate.
However, emerging evidence is raising concerns about the potential implications for our young people’s mental health. With one in four people worldwide now using sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it’s important for young people to learn about the benefits of time spent on and offline with the awareness of how positive and negative content and behaviour online can impact their own and other’s emotional and mental wellbeing.
social Media
Adolescence and early adulthood is a critical time for social and emotional development, which means understanding the effects of social media on health and wellbeing is important.
Research suggests that young people who are heavy users of social media, spend more than two hours per day on these networks and are more likely to report poor mental health. The unrealistic expectations set by social media, distorting young people’s perceptions of personal appearances and social acceptance may leave young people with feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety disorders.
Parents have an important role in helping to prepare their children to stay safe online. Internet Matters offer’s parent’s practical tips to help teens have a safer online experience.
Online Gambling
Online gambling through in-app game purchases appears to be a growing problem among teenagers and young people. On their mobile phones they have access, not only to traditional betting and casino-style gambling, but also to social games with in-game add-ons that can be brought for the game.
Gamble Aware, partnered with the PSHE Assoication have designed a range of resources and lesson plans to support gambling education in schools. These PSHE quality assured resources are for use by teachers, youth workers and those working with young people.
Cyber-Bullying
The rise of social media has meant that children and young people are in almost constant contact with each other. Unlike other forms, because of how and where it occurs, children are subjected to cyber-bullying at all times when they are online, including once they are home from school. Instant messaging apps such as Snapchat and Whatsapp allow for rapid circulation of bullying messages and images.
Seven in ten young people have experienced cyber-bullying with 37% of young people saying they experience cyber-bullying on a regular basis. Victims of bullying are more likely to experience low academic performance, depression, anxiety, self-harm, feelings of loneliness and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
NSPCC offers advice and information to help keep children safe from bullying online.
Resources for Schools on Internet Safety
Online safety is an integral part of children and young people’s education in today’s digital world as it ensures that children develop the knowledge and skills they needs to stay safe while online.
PHE Rise Above
Teacher resources on bullying and cyber-bullying for key stage 3 & 4
Education for a connected world framwork
The digital knowledge and skills that children and young people should have at different stages of their lives
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