Smart TVs are the future of home entertainment … but how safe is that future? 📺🤔 The percentage of UK households that own a smart TV has leapt from 11% to 74% in less than ten years – and that proportion is only expected to increase further as more viewers discover the various benefits of these sophisticated systems 👀

 

While the technology is impressive, fun and increasingly affordable, the flip side is that the number of people (especially young ones) who need to be aware of their risks has risen commensurately. This guide outlines how to avoid some common smart TV hazards, so that you can relax a little when your children do.

 

 

 

 

Cyber-flashing happens when a stranger sends an obscene picture, unsolicited, to your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

It’s a form of sexual harassment and there have been prosecutions for it under existing laws.

 

The term ‘cyber-flashing’ first hit the news in 2015, after a woman on a train received explicit pictures on her iPhone which had been sent to her via Apple’s file-sharing function (AirDrop).

Cyber-flashing is not new – it has been possible since the introduction of Bluetooth. However, the growing trend for smartphone use among children means that there’s more risk of it happening to them.

It’s also not just an iPhone issue. There are many file-sharing apps that make it possible on Android and Apple phones.

 

Please read the article to make sure you are aware of the facts and can ensure your child(ren) are safe. Please have a conversation with them so they know what top do if it should happen, and who to talk to.

 

 

Live streaming: responding to the risks (National Crime Agency/CEOP)

Live streaming is a popular feature of lots apps and platforms. By understanding the risks of live streaming, we can help children stay safe when they are online. ThinkUKnow has produced a guide to help parents understand why live-streaming is so popular, and how to keep children safe.



 

The 12 ways that Christmas shoppers can keep children and data safe when buying smart toys and devices (ICO)

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Planning to spend a couple of hours in a Christmas Market or even on Amazon? This Christmas there will be more tech toys than ever before, and many of them will use bluetooth or wifi to link to apps and the wider internet. Some of these toys will have cameras and microphones recording the environment and the child's play. The Information Commissioner recently published an article looking at the risks of using smart toys and it is well-worth sharing it with parents.

https://iconewsblog.org.uk/2017/11/23/the-12-ways-that-christmas-shoppers-can-keep-children-and-data-safe-when-buying-smart-toys-and-devices/

Safety alert: see how easy it is for almost anyone to hack your child’s connected toys (Which?)

Which? Magazine have also surveyed many connected toys and found that, without appropriate safety features, they can also pose a big risk to your child’s safety.

The Which video below shows just how easy it is for anyone to take over the voice control of a popular connected toy, and speak directly to children. Which? found that it is easy enough for almost anyone to do, not only skilled hackers.



https://www.which.co.uk/news/2017/11/safety-alert-see-how-easy-it-is-for-almost-anyone-to-hack-your-childs-connected-toys/
 

Follow Digitial PCSO on Twitter

As part of the Protect Yourself Online initiative, Digital PCSO Shevani Raichura has taken to the social media site to keep people updated with all things cyber safety.

Similar to a traditional police community support officer, Digital PCSO Raichura aims to work closely with communities to offer advice, promote safety messages and reduce vulnerability, however all of it online.

As part of her role, Shevani takes to Twitter to send out daily messages around online safety and emerging scams to help keep her followers safe from cybercrime. She also supports national campaigns from partner agencies and is on hand to answer any questions that Twitter users may have.

To follow PCSO Raichura on Twitter, visit the social media site and search for @DigitalPCSO.

Click 'follow' on the account page and you will then be able to view all updates that are sent out, along with asking PCSO Raichura any questions.

For cybercrime prevention advice, information and support, visit the dedicated Protect Yourself Online web hub by clicking here (opens in a new window)

Here you will be able to read Digital PCSO Raichura's latest blog post and find information on a range of topics from child sexual exploitation, to social media safety and fraud.

 

Taken from https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/roblox-guide-parents

Roblox - a guide for parents

15 June 2017

Childnet Education Officer Tom offers some top tips for parents to help young people stay safe on Roblox.

In our education sessions, young people and parents often mention Roblox, the popular gaming site. Young people regularly tell us how much they enjoy the different games and levels within it. This blog explains a bit about Roblox,  what to be aware of as a parent and offers our top tips on how to ensure your child stays safe. This is will include:

1. Communication: how Roblox can be used to communicate with other users
2. Content: what content is available on Roblox that might not be suitable for children
3. Costs: what ways children might accidentally run up costs while using Roblox

Plus we will share our top tips for staying engaged with your children’s use of Roblox and making the most of the safety features available on the service.

What is Roblox?

Roblox is a gaming platform where multiple players interact and play together online. The site has a collection of games aimed at 8-18 year olds, however players of all ages can use the site. Roblox is currently available on PC, phone, tablet and Xbox One.

Every game on Roblox is created by users, and there are a wide variety to choose from. These can vary from delivering pizzas, to roaming a kingdom as a medieval knight, to even starring in a fashion show. This variety is one of the reasons that Roblox is so popular with young people.

Key things for parents to be aware of

1. Communication: how users can communicate with others

Whilst the games are aimed at 8-18 year olds, there are no age restrictions. This means both adults and young people can play and communicate with each other on the platform.

All games  are multiplayer and include a written chat feature, which is visible to players within each individual game. Users can also make and receive friend requests during gameplay and this means that they can chat to each other outside of the game.

You can read more about the Roblox chat features and the way that these are moderated on the Roblox community guidelines and within their safety features.

2. Content: what content is available that might not be suitable for children

The Roblox Studio is a section where players use their imagination and skills to create their own games and share these with others. The ability to create and play games can be very appealing to young people who like to create the content they see online.

However, because content is user-generated it can mean that some games might not be appropriate for young children. For example, whilst the graphics are not very life like, some of the games feature weapons and blood.

3. Costs: How children might accidentally run up costs

By creating games, users can earn Robux, the in-game currency. You can also buy Robux in the game. Players can spend money on items, such as membership to the Builders Club. .

If game creators attract players and in-game adverts, they can earn a lot of Robux, which they can convert into real money. To do this, players must be over the age of 13, have paid for Roblox’s premium subscription, and have access to a Paypal account. This means that younger players would need to talk to an adult to be able to exchange their Robux for real money.

Top tips for parents

Whatever gaming sites your children use, our advice remains the same. It is important to have a conversation with your child about the sites they use and carry on having open discussions. This will encourage them to come to you with any concerns they may have.

Involve your child in discussions and decisions about online safety and their internet usage. This will help them understand the importance of staying safe whilst having a great time online. It will also help to educate them about how they can keep themselves safe online and know what to do if something goes wrong.

1. Stay engaged and have regular conversations

• Show an interest in the games your children are playing. This could be through having a conversation about what they like to play or could be through watching them play the game. You could even have a go at playing the games yourself! If children know you have an interest in the game, they may feel more comfortable talking to you about it or coming to you for help if they need it.

2. Help them understand the importance of personal information

• Check that your child understands:
  - the importance of keeping their personal information safe  
  - that the should speak to an adult straight away if the chat goes from being about the game to meeting up offline, personal information or sending images.

3. Set rules around spending money in games

Have a conversation with your child to make sure they realise that is possible to spend real money on the game. Make promises that work for your family; perhaps your child will have to ask you for permission before they make an in-game purchase.

If you want more help to create these promises for your family’s internet use, please refer to our family agreement. 

4. Make use of the safety features available

• Block and report:
  Make sure your child knows how to find and use the report and block functions. Use the Roblox how to make a report page to learn how to do this.
• Safety settings:
  Set up the parental controls that are right for your family. You can also disable chat, set up the Parent PIN and use the Account Restrictions within Roblox. Click here for more information on how to use the Safety features. 
• Settings for under 13s:
  There are additional safety features for under-13s , so it’s worth checking your child’s account is registered with the correct age. Players under the age of 13 have a <13 symbol next to their username on the game at all times, however this is not displayed to other players.

5. Encourage them to tell you about concerns

• Remind your child that they should come to you if they ever see something inappropriate, mean comments or if anything worries them within the game. If you know how to report this type of content within Roblox, you will be in the best position to help them if they need it.

 

For more detailed instructions and guidance on how to use the safety features of Roblox visit the Roblox websit.

For further advice around this topic:

Our hot topic page about gaming: www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot-topics/gaming

For more information around gaming, games consoles and how to keep young people safe when playing games visit the UK Safer Internet Centres website: www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers/parents-guide-technology/gaming-devices

If you ever have concerns about the communication between your child and someone they have never met and only know online you should report this to CEOP here: www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-report/

For advice tailored for families around gaming: www.askaboutgames.com/

Safer Internet Day - 9th February 2016

Play your part for a better internet!

 

In lessons and whole school assemblies over the next few weeks and months we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of the internet.

 

We want to equip our children with the skills, knowledge, resilience and support to navigate any issues they may come across on the internet.

 

Most of all we want our children to celebrate the fact that we are all different and how it boring the world would be if that were not the case.  In thinking about our differences we want children to remember the phrase 'before you say what's on your mind, ask yourself, is it kind?'.  We want children to be able to support one another if they see something which is unkind or hurtful to themselves or others.

 

We want to educate our parents on the dangers of the internet and how they can help support their child online.  We will be holding an information session and packs to all parents to reinforce our messages at home as well as school. 

 

To find out more visit:

@UK_SIC http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day … #SID2016

 

You can also visit http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/parents-and-carers