Communicate – Social Media

Communicating online carries greater risk than just consuming or creating content because it involves other people and their ability to influence or affect our behaviour.
Platforms such as social media are designed for communicating with others, inviting them to comment on your posts, pictures and videos.

The risks:

sharing content publicly with no restriction on who can see, share or comment on it
sharing or receiving content that is inappropriate, offensive or harmful
being groomed or exploited
being bullied
receiving inappropriate images or messages

Becoming cyber resilient is the first step to being safer online. Talk to your learners about the devices and accounts that they use to access online information:

Make sure they are aware of how to create a stronger password and enable 2FA
Ensure they are aware of privacy settings, such as who can see and comment on posts, or how many notifications they receive
Ensure that only people they follow/friend are able to direct message (DM) them
Check that they are aware of the risks of grooming, cyberbullying and scams
Show them how to report concerns on the platform

Being more cyber resilient reduces the risk of internet safety issues arising. We all want the internet to be a more welcoming space for children and young people and that is why we promote this positive message of safe, smart and kind.

With your learners:

Are they aware of the risk of grooming – what it looks like, how it happens and how to report it?
Ensure that learners are aware of the risks of social media comments and posts – could they be offensive, harmful or bullying to someone else?
What does your content say about you – are you creating a smart and kind public presence?

Social media resources:

Critical Thinking – Childnet

Trust Me – Childnet

Media Smart Body Image 9-11 yrs / Key Stage 2 / PSHE

Digiduck Stories – Childnet

Teaching resources and lesson plans | NSPCC Learning

PSHE Toolkits – Childnet

Educator-guidance.pdf (childnet.com)~~

Resource – Staying safe online 11-16 – Into Film

IntoFilm – Digital Wellbeing

Information on settings and safer use:

Social media myths – Own It – BBC