The world’s most comprehensive collection of guides for educators, parents and children from The National College. Previously National Online Safety. 🌐
REMOTE LEARNING TOP TIPS💻🏡In light of today's school closures, we've produced a series of free guides to provide staff, parents & pupils with tips on how to learn remotely, safely.
Pupils👉
Parents👉
Staff👉
97 million messages. Every. Single. Minute. 🤯📱 Our updated
#WakeUpWednesday
parents’ guide to WhatsApp examines the latest features on the world’s most-used messaging app – and what
#OnlineSafety
issues they might raise for children 👀
Download >>
One out of five 11- to 17-year-olds in the UK has tried vaping ☁😟 With savvy marketing attracting teens’ attention, concerned parents might find our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide useful in helping children to understand the potential risks 🛡
Download >>
The Zoom boom💥💻 Happy
#WakeUpWednesday
! With the recent rise in Zoom usage during
#lockdown
, we've created a free guide so that parents & carers can ensure safe usage of the platform and avoid getting
#Zoombombed
!
Download your
#OnlineSafety
guide >>
It's TikTok o'clock🕺🕑 This
#WakeUpWednesday
we take a look at the popular video-sharing social media app 'TikTok'. What is it, what are the dangers and how can parents & carers ensure children use the app safely? Download here>>
#OnlineSafety
#TikTok
If your child has been unsettled by recent events in Israel, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has some insightful tips for helping young ones deal with worrying news content they may have seen online.
Download >>
In a world where you can be anything,
#BeKind
.
This
#WakeUpWednesday
we are sharing a selection of little reminders for everybody on how to be kind online >>
In keeping with
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
, this week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide provides 10 conversation starters for parents around children’s mental health.🗣️ We’ve covered topics to help support parents in encouraging discussions around mental health >>
Parents and carers have entered the game! 🎮👨👩👧👦 Power up this
#WakeUpWednesday
with our practical tips to setting gaming boundaries – a useful tactic for helping to protect your young gamer from
#OnlineSafety
hazards while they play 👍
Download >>
3 MORE SLEEPS 🎄🎅! Is Santa bringing the kids a new device? For our final
#WakeUpWednesday
of 2021, we've got some top tips on how to set up their new gadgets safely 🎮! From parental controls to account creation, keep your children safe this Christmas >>
Due to the overwhelming response we received from schools regarding mental health, here are our ‘Social Pressures’ series of
#WakeUpWednesday
guides. 🤳📸 We've covered ‘Appearance’, ‘Friends and Followers’, ‘Likes’ and ‘Social Media Influencers’.
>>
‘Tis the season to … stay safe online! 🎅🛡 If your children are getting any new games, apps or software, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has tips to minimise
#OnlineSafety
risks – helping you ensure the only Christmas surprises are nice ones! 🎁
Download >>
Outwit the internet bullies with our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide 🛡🤗 We’ve compiled some top tips for tackling one of the most upsetting
#OnlineSafety
threats around – cyber-bullying – in support of this year’s
#AntiBullyingWeek
📅
Download >>
It’s given us online gaming 🎮 social media 👍 and streaming 😍 but the internet also exposes us to things that don’t make us feel good about ourselves. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
poster has some tips for protecting young people’s wellbeing 🛡
Download >>
You know about social media influencers ✌📸 But do you know what influence intensive social media use can have on our mental health? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has tips for protecting young people from this ever-present
#OnlineSafety
risk 🛡
Download >>
It’s TikTok o’clock again 🕺🎤! This
#WakeUpWednesday
we've given our
#OnlineSafety
guide to
#TikTok
a revamp. From 'age in-appropriate content' to its newest 'in-app spending' feature, are your children using the platform safely? Download for free >>
What's trending on TikTok? 👀📱 With new features being added and potentially dangerous new trends to stay aware of, today’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide re-assesses the ever-popular social media platform for possible
#OnlineSafety
hazards ⚠
Download >>
#WakeUpWednesday
's in the house👋🏠Today we look at
#Houseparty
; the face-to-face social network, keeping the nation entertained during lockdown. As current
#1
in the app store,
#OnlineSafety
is key. How can we ensure safe usage of the platform? Download >>
Under the influence? 📱📢 For many young people, social media influencers are ‘the new rock stars’ – but how much of these emerging celebrities’ content can really be trusted? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
highlights potential
#OnlineSafety
risks 👀
Download >>
It’s almost Red N🔴S Day! In support of
@comicrelief
, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has got some top tips on helping children and young people to build their digital resilience – minimising the impact of
#OnlineSafety
threats 🛡
Download >>
#RedNoseDay
Making life easier… or adding to our unease? 📱😟 Digital devices have changed the way we live – but the new forms of stress they can bring are an
#OnlineSafety
risk. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has tips for reducing ‘always on’ anxiety 🛡
Download >>
Time to get smart about watches? ⌚🔍 Wearable tech is usually considered 'cool' by young people, with smartwatches at the forefront – but are they safe from
#OnlineSafety
risks? Trusted adults can find out in our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide 👀
Download >>
Happy
#WakeUpWednesday
! Bullying is not okay, online or offline. For
#AntiBullyingWeek
we've created this poster for children and young people to highlight everything they need to know about online bullying. High res version here:
#OnlineSafety
@ABAonline
Smart phone – smart user? 📱🤔 A whopping 98% of over-12s in the UK now have their own phone, with many younger children also using one regularly. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has expert tips to help them avoid
#OnlineSafety
risks ⚠
Download for FREE here >>
Learning the art of emotional control 😡😭❤ Young ones can sometimes find it difficult to manage their feelings – this week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has expert advice on how trusted adults can help children learn to self-regulate. 🤗
Download >>
Here comes the summer!☀🥤 Being realistic, the long school holiday probably equates to increased screen time for many children. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
poster has some pointers to help young ones steer clear of common
#OnlineSafety
risks 🛡
Download >>
Among Us: fairly safe, or pretty sus? 👽🪐 Our updated
#WakeUpWednesday
guide to the hugely popular sci-fi deduction game tells parents and carers of young Among Us fans which
#OnlineSafety
risks they need to be watchful for 🔍
Download >>
Online Do's✅👍 Online Don'ts🚫👎
This
#WakeUpWednesday
we advise children on how to keep safe in the online world; from protecting their personal info to dealing with strangers, here are our 14 tips. Download your free guide here >>
Can gaming help children to ‘level up’ in real life? 🎮📈 Our guides often deal with the
#OnlineSafety
risks in video games, but this
#WakeUpWednesday
we explain how safe and healthy gaming might actually have some benefit for young minds 💡
Download >>
Device Advice📱🧼This
#WakeUpWednesday
is a little different! Our electronic items can be a breeding ground for germs & bacteria. We’ve created a free guide on keeping your devices clean, in relation to the recent
#Coronavirus
outbreak. Download here >>
Be kind, always💜 This
#WakeUpWednesday
we’re focusing on the importance of being kind for
#AntiBullyingWeek
. 2020 has seen a rise in children spending time online, unfortunately meaning an increase in online bullying. Let's stand
#UnitedAgainstBullying
>>
'Appy
#WakeUpWednesday
😀📱 It can be tough to find suitable & safe apps/games for children. This week, expert Mark Foster shares his suggestions! From EYFS to age 14, our 3 guides provide you with download recommendations for learning & fun. Download >>
Ho Ho Ho🎄🎅📱This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we're feeling festive & unwrapping some top tips for those getting a smartphone under the tree this year. From the minute they switch it on, it's crucial that children understand how to use their device safely. Download>
Parents: take control! 📱 Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guides this week show you how using parental control settings can stop many
#OnlineSafety
risks from ever reaching your child’s iPhone or Android ⛔
Desktop:
Download app:
Are you watching TV? Or is the TV watching YOU? 😨📺 As internet-enabled televisions become the norm, this week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has some useful
#OnlineSafety
tips to help parents ensure their children are viewing safely 🛡
Download >>
Go green and banish the blues! 🌳 With this year's
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
themed around 'nature', our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide provides tips – both online and off – for using nature to lift your mood! 🌼
Desktop:
Download app:
Are you watching carefully? ▶📺 It’s the world’s most popular video platform, but even YouTube isn’t without its
#OnlineSafety
risks. This week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide highlights what trusted adults need to look out for 👀
Download >>
Hard to identify 👀 Even harder to stop 🛑 Bullying continues to be a problem which can ruin young lives: this week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has expert advice for trusted adults on ways to support young people who are being bullied 🛡
New year, old problems? 🎮👀 Managing screen time is a familiar
#OnlineSafety
issue for young people. Our first
#WakeUpWednesday
guide of 2024 offers some tips for a fresh start in keeping their device usage at a healthy level 📴
Download >>
Yesterday,
#TikTok
launched their new ‘Family Safety Mode’ feature in the UK with plans to further roll it out worldwide.
Here’s our updated guide on the video-sharing social media app >>
#OnlineSafety
'Tis the season to be social🎶📱🎅 Time off school means more time online. This
#WakeUpWednesday
we provide children with 12 tips to stay safe on social media! With kids sharing their festivities online, it’s vital that they know what to do & not to do.
Do it for the Gram 📸🤳 With a range of new features, photo & video-sharing platform
#Instagram
is the focus of this week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
! See our latest
#OnlineSafety
tips for parents & carers to help keep your children safe whilst using the app >>
Here's a reminder of our latest
#WakeUpWednesday
guide for parents, carers and educators in support of
#AntiBullyingWeek
! 🛡 🤗
Check out our top tips to tackle cyber-bullying! 👇
Download, print and share today >>
🚨 Irony klaxon 🚨 This week,
#WakeUpWednesday
is all about going to sleep! We’ve got together with
@Minds_Ahead
to bring you some expert tips on helping children and young people to develop a healthy sleeping pattern 😴
🎵 “Check pitfalls with
#WakeUpWednesday
! Tra-la-la-la-laaa …” 🎵 Stressed about presents – or loved ones STAYING present? 📱🎁 We gift you some top tips for reducing your family’s screen time and enjoying a merry tech-free Christmas! 🎅
Download >>
Give a thumbs up this
#WakeUpWednesday
👍👤 Due to popular demand we're sharing a guide on the most popular social network in the world...
#Facebook
! What children share, privacy settings & more, see our safety tips for parents & carers here >
#OnlineSafety
🎵 R-E-S-P-E-C-T, integral to online safety! 🎵 Get prepped for
#SaferInternetDay
with this week’s special
#WakeUpWednesday
guides: full of top tips for parents & children on communicating positively and respectfully online 🤗❤
Download >>
Remote education? We’ve got you 🤗 Check out our free
#OnlineSafety
guides to lockdown learning for teachers, parents and children.
Apple:
Android:
Desktop:
Getting to the core of Apple’s market-leading tablet 🍏🔎 The iPad’s instinctive ease of use makes it a huge hit with children – but what
#OnlineSafety
risks should trusted adults watch out for? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has the details 👀
Download >>
Safe to use right out of the box? 🎁🎮📱 This week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide explains how to set up parental controls on some of the most popular internet-enabled devices – reducing
#OnlineSafety
risks while increasing the festive fun! 🎄
Download >>
Would you get an A for your knowledge of X? 👩🏫📱 This
#WakeUpWednesday
, our free guide tells parents and carers about the
#OnlineSafety
risks – both new and familiar – to stay alert for on the platform formerly known as Twitter 🐦
Download >>
Two-thirds of the world uses the internet – so how can we ever be lonely online? 🌎💻 In support of next week's
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
, we’ve compiled young people’s thoughts on online loneliness in a special
#WakeUpWednesday
guide.
Download >>
Is Spotify hitting the right
#OnlineSafety
notes? 🎶🎧 It’s become the world’s most popular music streaming service – but how suitable is it for children to listen to? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide brings you the inside track on
#Spotify
🎤👨🎤
Download >>
“National Online Safety is typing …” 📱✔✔ Updated for 2022, it’s one of our most-downloaded
#WakeUpWednesday
guides – telling trusted adults everything they need to know about the world's most popular messaging service: WhatsApp 💬
Download >>
Build your knowledge! 🧱 With over 150 million users, this week, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide runs the rule over popular game-design platform Roblox for possible
#OnlineSafety
risks ⚠️
Desktop:
Apple:
Android:
This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we're asking parents to "stay switched on" when their children are playing
#Fortnite
🎮We’ve teamed up with our tremendously talented teacher friends at Musicalternative to bring you this catchy number 🎶Please RT!
#OnlineSafety
Minecraft marathons? Devouring Disney+? 📺👀 Some experts estimate children’s screen time rises by 6 hours per day during the holidays. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has tips to help your child steer clear of
#OnlineSafety
risks this summer 🛡
Download >>
New term, time to learn📢📱 This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we’re providing children with a timely (and termly) reminder of just how important
#OnlineSafety
is with our top tips to keep safe online!
Desktop:
Download app:
A hefty boost of energy during a slump can be a massive help⚡ but drinks loaded with caffeine are far from the best option 💓 This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we're addressing the risks of consuming energy drinks and showcasing healthier alternatives.
99% of children are now regularly online, making Ofcom’s Media Use and Attitudes Report a must-read for parents, carers and educators 📊📉 This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we’ve got a breakdown of Ofcom’s most eye-catching
#OnlineSafety
findings🔍🌐
Today marks the start of
#AntibullyingWeek
!🚫
People who experience
#bullying
have a greater risk of both mental health and behaviour problems.
To support
#bullyingprevention
, we've put together a list of bullying behaviours. Identify them is the first step to stopping them!
#ChooseRespect
this Anti-Bullying Week!
Before pressing 'send' on comments, ask yourself these 3 questions...
1) Why am I posting this? 🤔
2) Would I say this in real life? 💬
3) How would I feel if somebody said this to me? 😔
#antibullyingweek
@ABAonline
Nine more sleeps! 🎅🎄 If Santa’s bringing new devices for the young ones in your life, "yule" want to check out this week’s
#WakeUpWednesday
guide... stuffed with safety tips!
Apple:
Android:
Desktop:
#SaferInternetDay
is nearly here! 🌐🛡️ Reflecting the “managing influence” strand of this year’s theme, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide unpacks ‘persuasive design’ – and uncovers some common but often hidden
#OnlineSafety
risks to young people 👀
Download >>
Does “free to play” really mean what it says? 🤔🎮 Many hit games cost nothing to download but make their money via microtransactions – a growing
#OnlineSafety
concern for parents of young gamers. 👀
Download for FREE here >>
It’s good to talk 💬❤ Whatever the problem, an honest chat - delivered with a little compassion - can help. This
#WakeUpWednesday
, our guide has expert tips on encouraging and maintaining open conversations with children 🤗
Download >>
People take physical security seriously 🏠🔒 But digital security doesn’t always get the same level of attention. Cyber crime is an ever-growing
#OnlineSafety
issue: get great tips for protecting your family in our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide 🛡
Download >>
What’s the password? 🔒⌨ As the digital world’s most common security measure, passwords therefore remain a prime target for cyber criminals. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has tips to improve
#OnlineSafety
by beefing up your password strength 💪
Download >>
Monitor-Talk-Report🗨️⚠️ In light of recent distressing content circulating on several popular social media platforms, this
#WakeUpWednesday
we're reminding parents how important it is to monitor, support and talk to children about their online activities >
New laws, new responsibilities? ⚖🤔 With the Online Safety Act now coming into effect, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide this week highlights some key areas that the fresh legislation covers – and what this means for UK education providers 👩🏫
Download >>
Happy
#WakeUpWednesday
! This week we're encouraging parents to talk to their children about their online activities to highlight dangers they may face online. Struggling to get the conversation started? These 7 questions may help! HD version:
#OnlineSafety
Pre-schoolers on PlayStation? Young ones on YouTube? 👶🎮 The under-5s encounter digital devices – and therefore
#OnlineSafety
risks – at a crucial phase in their development. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has top tips for parents and carers 🛡
Download >>
Prices plummeting 📉🛍 Scams soaring 📈💳 There are bags of
#OnlineSafety
pitfalls to watch out for on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has tips to help defend your dough while you discover the discounts 🛒
Download >>
READ ALL ABOUT IT!📰 Can you spot a genuine article from a hoax? We're back with our first
#WakeUpWednesday
of the year, sharing our free guide about 'fake news' for you to share with your school community. High res version here:
#OnlineSafety
Happy new year! 🥳🔔 There are some timely reminders for children and young people about the basics of
#OnlineSafety
in our first
#WakeUpWednesday
guide of 2023. Let’s start the year how we intend to go through it – safely! 🛡
Download >>
“National Online Safety reacted to your message” ❤👍 Group chats are an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family – but how safe are they for children and young people? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide looks at the
#OnlineSafety
risks 📱
Download >>
This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we're sharing guides for two popular apps with young people; Instagram & TikTok. Whilst both present the opportunity for creativity and fun, there are still associated risks involved that parents, carers and trusted adults need to be aware of.
#OnlineSafety
Are kids risk free in ’23? 🤔📱 Evidently not. Ofcom have just published their yearly report into children’s digital activities and the
#OnlineSafety
risks they face. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has some key findings for trusted adults 👀
Download >>
This
#WakeUpWednesday
we're wading through the world of emojis with our free
#WhatsApp
online safety guide for parents and carers. We had hundreds of requests for this one, so please feel free to share with your whole school community! HD version here:
Your quick guide to Wizz 💨📱 It’s a trending social app that matches young users with potential new friends … and it’s not without
#OnlineSafety
hazards. Check out our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide this week for all the biz about Wizz. 👀
Download >>
Understand your 'Mobs' from your 'Mods' this
#WakeUpWednesday
⛏️ We've taken a look at video game 'Minecraft'. Learn how parents & carers can build their knowledge to ensure children are playing the game safely.
Download here >>
#OnlineSafety
#Minecraft
The most exciting signing of the season? ⚽🎮 EA Sports FC 24, “the new FIFA”, has arrived … but how well does it defend against
#OnlineSafety
threats? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has the essential info for parents of young football fans 🛡
Download >>
These are troubling times for everyone. If your child has been unsettled by current global events, our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has some insightful tips for helping young ones deal with worrying news content they may have seen online.
Download >>
Less than 5 seconds ⏱ That’s how quickly your phone could connect you with the emergency services. This week's
#WakeUpWednesday
guides blend
#OnlineSafety
with offline safety to help keep you protected! 📱
Apple:
Android:
Flourishing friendships can be an important aspect of a happy life - but what does a healthy relationship look like?🤝 This
#WakeUpWednesday
, we’re offering expert advice on encouraging healthy friendships among children and young people 🫶
Download here
Get Snap-savvy this
#WakeUpWednesday
! 👻📱 The ever-popular image-sharing app Snapchat regularly launches new features – so what fresh
#OnlineSafety
risks do parents and carers need to be aware of? Our free guide puts you in the picture! 📸
Download >>
“How are you today?” 🤖 AI chatbots are among the most talked-about digital developments of recent times, but how safe are they for young people? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide assesses these ‘virtual friends’ from an
#OnlineSafety
perspective 🔎
Download >>
Scrolling ↕ Swiping 👆 Streaming 👀 Gaming 🎮 Children spending more time on devices over the school holidays means increased exposure to
#OnlineSafety
risks. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide has simple tips for concerned parents and carers 🛡
Download >>
‘Tis the season for family movie nights 🎅🍿 Many parents will be turning to Disney+ for exactly that reason – but how free from
#OnlineSafety
risks is the House of Mouse’s streaming service? Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide delves into Disney+ 👀
Download >>
Has live streaming brought a flood of risks? 🎧💻 Many young people enjoy broadcasting on the internet in real time – but not knowing who might be watching is just one of the
#OnlineSafety
hazards, as our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide explains 🤔
Download >>
New year, new Twitter? 🐤💬 Since a change of ownership last autumn, the social media platform has seen some major alterations – meaning different potential
#OnlineSafety
hazards. Our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide will bring you right up to date 👀
Download >>
This week … it’s Fortnite 🍌🔫 A new season of the phenomenally popular online battle game dropped last month – our
#WakeUpWednesday
guide scopes out this latest update for potential
#OnlineSafety
risks to its legion of young players 🛡
Download >>
STAY ALERT 👀⚠️ After
@metpoliceuk
warn of an increase in online child abuse during
#lockdown
, this
#WakeUpWednesday
we look at 'Online Grooming'. See our
#onlinesafety
tips to help parents spot the warning signs and keep children safe whilst online >>