Gaming Safety Guide

(For Roblox, Fortnite, and More)

1. Keep Your Secret Identity Safe!

• Think of yourself as a superhero! Keep your real name, age, school, and address a secret. You don’t need to share personal info to have a blast in the game!
• Choose a cool username that doesn’t reveal anything about you.

2. Chat Cautiously

• Not everyone you meet online is your friend. Be careful when chatting with others!
• If someone asks you weird questions or makes you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to block or report them! And remember, always talk to a trusted adult about it.

3. Protect Your Account Like a Treasure Chest!

• Use strong passwords that are hard to guess, and keep them to yourself. Think of it like having a secret key to your treasure.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if the game offers it—it’s an extra layer of protection!

4. Think Before You Buy

• Those in-game items can be super tempting, but always ask for permission before making purchases.
• Watch out for scams that promise free items or rewards in exchange for your account details—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

5. Use Privacy Settings

• Adjust your settings to control who can see and contact you. Set it to friends only to keep your gaming circle safe!

Social Media Safety 

(For TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, etc.)

1. Keep Your Profile Private

• Set your account to private so only friends can see your posts. This way, you know who’s watching your awesome content!
• Only accept friend requests from people you actually know. Be cautious of strangers!

2. Post Smartly!

• Avoid sharing personal details like your address, school, or anything that could give away too much info about you.
• Think before you post: Would you be okay with everyone at school seeing it? If not, maybe don’t share it!

3. Be Cautious in Messages

• Don’t chat with strangers who message you out of the blue on apps like Snapchat or Discord.
• If someone sends you a link and it looks suspicious, don’t click it! Talk to a parent or trusted adult if you’re unsure.

4. Watch Out for Trends and Challenges

• Trends can be fun, but not all of them are safe. If a challenge seems risky, it’s okay to sit it out!
• When in doubt, ask a parent or older sibling for their opinion before joining in.

5. Report and Block Bullying

• If you see someone being bullied or if someone is mean to you, don’t respond—just block and report them.
• Always talk to a trusted adult if you feel unsafe or if something online bothers you. They can help!

6. Know What Stays Online

• Even if you post something on Snapchat that disappears, it can still be screenshotted. Only post things you’re comfortable with others seeing!

General Online Safety 

1. Talk to Your Superhero Squad (Trusted Adults)

• If something makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused online, talk to a parent, teacher, or trusted adult. They’re there to help you navigate tricky situations!

2. Be Kind and Keep the Internet Fun

• Treat others with respect online. Don’t post mean comments or share rumours. If you see someone being bullied, stand up for them or report it!

3. Stay Alert for Scams

• If you get a message saying, “Click here for a free prize!” or “Enter your password to claim your reward,” it’s likely a scam. Just ignore it!

4. Balance Your Screen Time

• It’s easy to lose track of time online, but don’t forget to take breaks! Go play outside, hang out with friends, or do something you love away from the screen.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

• Social media can sometimes make us feel like we have to look or act a certain way. Remember, it’s okay to be yourself!
• If you ever feel sad or stressed about things online, talk to someone you trust. Taking a break from social media can help you feel better.

You’ve got this! 

The internet, games, and social media can be a lot of fun, but keeping these tips in mind will help you stay safe while enjoying everything. Always think before you share, talk to trusted adults if something feels off, and remember—your safety comes first! Have fun and stay smart online!

Resources for Online Safety – Click the titles for links…

1. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

• The NSPCC offers advice for parents on setting up parental controls, understanding social networks, and spotting online risks.
• They also have a Net Aware section, which reviews popular apps, games, and social media platforms, helping parents understand potential risks and set appropriate boundaries.
• The O2 and NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5002) provides advice for parents on how to keep children safe online.

2. Thinkuknow (from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command)

• Thinkuknow offers age-appropriate educational resources for children and young people from 4 to 18, as well as tips for parents and carers.
• The site includes interactive games, videos, and activities that help children learn about online safety in a fun and engaging way.
• For parents, there’s a wealth of advice on topics like online grooming, social media safety, and what to do if a child encounters harmful content.

3. Internet Matters

• Internet Matters provides comprehensive guides for parents, covering topics such as social media, online bullying, and managing screen time.
• They offer step-by-step instructions on setting up parental controls across different devices and platforms.
• Internet Matters also has an Online Safety Hub with resources tailored for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

4. Childline (by NSPCC)

• Childline offers direct support and resources for children and young people, including an online safety section with advice on cyberbullying, staying safe on social media, and avoiding scams.
• The Childline website has interactive tools, such as a message board where kids can talk to others and a “Calm Zone” with activities to help manage stress.
• Children and young people can also contact Childline directly (0800 1111) for confidential advice on any issues they face online or offline.

5. UK Safer Internet Centre

• The UK Safer Internet Centre provides resources for both parents and young people, including tips for safe internet usage and how to respond to online risks.
• Each year, they organise Safer Internet Day, which encourages discussions around online safety in schools and homes.
• Their website has downloadable guides and a hotline for reporting illegal content found online.

6. Parent Zone

• Parent Zone works with the UK government to provide up-to-date resources for parents on online safety, digital literacy, and mental well-being.
• They offer digital resilience toolkits to help families understand online risks and build confidence in safe internet practices.
• The site also has online safety guides, webinars, and a blog that covers current trends and issues in digital safety.

7. BBC Own It

• BBC Own It is an interactive resource for kids aged 9-12, with articles, quizzes, and videos on topics like online behaviour, cyberbullying, and protecting personal information.
• The Own It app helps children stay safe online by giving advice as they type on social media and other platforms, offering a real-time guide for younger users.
• Parents can use BBC Own It to stay informed about what children are experiencing online.

8. The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Campaign

• This campaign offers anti-bullying resources, including online safety information, aimed at young people and schools.
• The Diana Award provides free online safety training for schools and families, equipping young people to stand up to cyberbullying.
• They offer guidance on spotting online bullying and how to safely respond to it, empowering both parents and children to recognize and address bullying behaviours.

9. Get Safe Online

• Get Safe Online is a free, government-backed resource offering practical tips on internet security, from protecting passwords to safe social media usage.
• They provide dedicated guides for parents on helping children use the internet safely, including topics on online gaming, cyberbullying, and fraud prevention.
• The site also has a section on dealing with online problems, such as reporting scams or harmful content.

10. YoungMinds – Mental Health and Online Safety

• YoungMinds focuses on mental health and the effects of social media and digital life on young people.
• They offer guides and advice on balancing screen time, managing online stress, and recognizing when social media is impacting mental health.
• This is a great resource for parents who want to support their children’s mental health while navigating the digital world.

These resources are valuable for both educating parents about the digital world and helping children and teens understand how to protect themselves online. Taking advantage of these tools can empower families to navigate the internet safely and confidently together.