Wake Up Wednesday - Roblox
Roblox is one of the most popular video games on the market. By 2020, the game’s makers were claiming that more than half of children in the USA play it. As a ‘sandbox’ title, Roblox offers a huge amount of creative freedom: it lets players create their own gaming experiences with the Roblox Studio to build custom levels and games, which can then be shared with other players online. Roblox fosters creative thinking and enjoys a robust online community of fans. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as online daters, in-app purchases and contact with strangers. #WakeUpWednesday
Huggy Wuggy - Parental Information
There have been rising concerns nationally about a horror game character called Huggy Wuggy. There are multiple risks that can arise from children and young people being exposed to frightening content before they are prepared including- Added anxiety and stress – Children and young people are still growing and learning. They may not be at a level of emotional maturity that would be able to process frightening content, even if it is intentional. Horror games could hamper that growth by creating unnecessary anxiety and stress. Intrusive thoughts – Everyone has the ‘thing that goes bump in the night.’ If children play this game or watch it, the Boogeyman could easily be replaced with characters like Huggy Wuggy. This could cause children to lose focus or sleep and could interrupt family rest cycles. New fears – The manipulation of child-friendly items into threatening characters exploits the sense of security a child would feel around these things. They may suddenly be terrified of something that had never been a worry before. Top Tips for helping the child or young person in your care If your child hasn’t mentioned Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, don’t name it. You may pique their curiosity which in turn could lead to them searching out the content for themselves on platforms they might have access to. If you hear a child in your care mention Huggy Wuggy, pause and remain calm. It could be that they have overheard conversation about in school or online, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have viewed content or have a full understanding of who Huggy Wuggy is. Ask them about the content they enjoy watching online, and if anything they’ve seen has ever made them or their friends upset or scared. If they have seen anything upsetting, reassure them that they are safe. It’s important children know they can come and speak to you without fear of judgement. If necessary, ask them to show you the video or game, and follow appropriate reporting procedures if you are concerned. If you see content on social media or in the news regarding Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, think before you share it publicly. It may be more helpful to share a credible article with practical advice privately, e.g. through private messaging. Talk about Trusted Adults to teach young people about the importance of seeking help if something worries or upset them. If your child is having nightmares or is anxious about something they’ve watched, it’s important to have a conversation about expressing their feelings.
Wake Up Wednesday - Equality Online
The goal is equality. To celebrate a vibrant opening week of #weuro22, our #WakeUpWednesday guide has top tips for helping young fans ensure they know how to remain respectful online … and how to react if they see a red-card offence!
Wake up Wednesday - Steam
It’s a hot-spot for gamers, but could youngsters get their fingers burned? The latest guide in our #WakeUpWednesday series checks out the popular games distribution platform Steam for potential #OnlineSafety threats
Wake up Wednesday - Minecraft
The biggest-selling video game of all time! However, even the mighty Minecraft isn’t totally immune to #OnlineSafety risks. Our updated #WakeUpWednesday guide brings trusted adults the lowdown on this established children’s favourite.
Wake Up Wednesday - Esports
Fleeting fad – or future Olympic event? Professional esports is booming – and can be a lucrative career – but it’s far from free of #OnlineSafety threats. This #WakeUpWednesday, check out our scouting report from the world of esports.
Wake Up Wednesday - Twitch
If your child knows gaming, they’ll probably know Twitch. It’s a livestreaming community for dedicated gamers – but in among the helpful tips, some #OnlineSafety risks are lurking. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide investigates.
Wake Up Wednesday - Virtual Reality
Virtually harmless … or a risk in reality? VR is growing fast as a medium for gaming and education, but it’s still far from free of #OnlineSafety threats. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide gives trusted adults the heads up on virtual reality.
Wake Up Wednesday - Cross Platform Sharing
‘Going viral’ isn’t always something to celebrate. This #WakeUpWednesday, we look at how inappropriate content becomes an #OnlineSafety risk by crossing between platforms – and ways to prevent your child seeing anything they shouldn’t.
National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Phone Scams
Scam alert! We all think we’ll never be fooled, but there’s always a new con ready to trap the unwary. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide gives you the #OnlineSafety steps to help your family avoid phone scams.
National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Supporting Children to Deal with Uspetting Content
Raising children in the digital age seems to be getting tougher, with the world currently experiencing so many uncertainties. From the continuing impact of COVID-19 to the war in Ukraine, right now children across the globe can scarcely go online without being exposed to unsettling stories, images and ideas. Reassuring a concerned child can be difficult, especially when bad news feels omnipresent. We’ve put together some advice to help you in discussing upsetting events with young ones. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of tips such as encouraging your child to ask questions, setting limits and to emphasis hope.
National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - WINK
A cheeky wink – or something more sinister? Explicit pictures and contact from strangers are among the #OnlineSafety risks in Wink, a networking app for the over 13s. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide tells trusted adults what they need to know
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