shared in relationship, tricked into sending (grooming/sextortion) or stolen from account
Author: George Milliken
Communicate: trolling, bullying and abusive behaviour
Trolling (15%) and bullying, abusive behaviour or threats (8%) account for 23% of the potential risks encountered by UK internet users aged 13+ (Ofcom, 2022). Understanding how the platform works can help children and young people reduce the likelihood of this potential risk by managing whose messages and posts they see, and how to mute or block people who may be trolling, bullying or abusing them.
Cyber resilience guidance
Devices
The first potential vulnerability when communicating online is the device not being securely setup.
Check with learners that they have taken these steps to reduce the risk of someone accessing and communicating with their device without permission:
- a screenlock that requires a passcode or biometric (face or fingerprint) to log in to stop unauthorised access (hacking)
- apple devices have a content filter, called communication safety in Messages, in their ‘screen time’ settings that blocks potentially nude content from children’s phones
Accounts
Another potential vulnerability when communicating online is the accounts on the device or online platform not being secure enough and allowing others to use their device or contact them.
Check with learners that they have taken these steps on their apps to reduce the risk unwanted contact:
- they use device or platform security features, inlcuding password, biometrics or 2FA to ensure only they can access it
- they know how to use the settings and security features to set the platform up to only share information they are willing to share – this can reduce their ‘visibility’ and potentially reduce the chances of unwanted contact
- they can use the settings and security settings to control who is able to contact them, see/reply to their posts or direct message them on the platform
How to block and report contacts
Snapchat
How do I change my privacy settings on Snapchat?
FaceTime
Report and support
When using devices or online platforms to communicate, learners should understand that online platforms and services, including apps, carry greater risk of being shared without permission as the messages and content on these is almost always stored on their server, which is the company’s computer, and not the child or young person’s device.
Should created content ever be shared with, or without, permission then learners should have the knowledge, skills and support to report and recover from the potential risks associated with this:
Whatsapp
How to block and report contacts
Snapchat
Snapchat Reporting Quick Guide
Adults can report concerns about unwanted contact to NSPCC
Children and young people can report concerns about unwanted contact to Childline
Communicate – Grooming
Communicate – Livestreams
Livestreaming is an increasingly popular method of communicating with people across the world. They can be based on any sort of content but often centre around sports and gaming.
Learners should be aware of the risks of inappropriate content in livestreams, the pressure to provide tips, subscriptions or sponsorship, and the risks associated with talking to others on streams, whether friends or strangers.
The risks:
- pressurised into purchases, tips, sponsorships or subscriptions
- inappropriate content
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 them aware of any potential risks, such as inappropriate content and costs
- Ensure they have privacy and security settings enabled on their streaming platforms and consider where and what they film
- If content is harmful – do they know how to report it?
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:
- Discuss the risk of watching inappropriate streams
- Ask them to explore and recommend smarter choices for more appropriate streams – this could be class stream reviews alongside book reviews
- Look at how they can be kinder when streaming or commenting on others’ streams
Communicate – Gaming
Gaming is one of the most popular past times in the world. The amount of money spent playing games is more than that spent on video-on-demand (VOD), such as Netflix, or music streaming like Spotify combined. There are many aspects to gaming beyond playing the games, including livestreaming, esports or gambling.
Learners should be aware of the risks of inappropriate content in games, the pressure to make purchases (lootboxes, FUT, skins), and the risks associated with playing multiplayer online games whether friends or strangers.
The risks:
- sharing or receiving content that is inappropriate, offensive or harmful
- being groomed or exploited
- being bullied
- sharing private information
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 them aware of any potential risks, such as grooming or cyberbullying and greifing
- Ensure they have privacy and security settings enabled on their games consoles and apps when playing online
- If content is harmful – do they know how to report it?
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:
- Discuss the risk of playing inappropriate games, or with inappropriate players, such as randomly matched adults
- What is the difference between trolling, griefing and bullying?
- Look at how they can be kinder when playing cooperatively
Gaming resources:
Games Consoles | Safer Internet Centre – questions for engaging with gamers
information:
Gaming – Childnet – guides for popular consoles and games
Staying-Safe-Online-advice-for-parents-and-carers.pdf (cyberscotland.com)
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?
Information on settings and safer use:
Social media myths – Own It – BBC
Don’t Feed the Trolls | Center for Countering Digital Hate (counterhate.com)
Joe Tasker Down The Rabbit Hole: social media viewing habits. – Own It – BBC
When people’s posts are getting you down – Own It –
Social-Media-Guide-teachers-and-support-staff.pdf (childnet.com)
Information on online harms and risks:
I want to know more about Cyberbullying – Childnet
Just a joke? – Childnet
Cyberbullying guidance for schools – Childnet
Video Chat and Webcams – Childnet
I want to know more about Sexting – Childnet
Bullying or Harassment (reportharmfulcontent.com)
Staying-Safe-Online-advice-for-parents-and-carers.pdf (cyberscotland.com)
Create – Images and Video
It is possible to create content that isn’t shared online but more of our images and video is shared online. Sharing content publicly has higher risks than private content. If it is shared publicly then there is greater risk of images being shared without permission or commented negatively on.
Privately created content has less inherent risk – if it is private to your device or account and no one can access it, then it is less likely to be shared against your wishes, or commented on negatively. However, even private and un-shared content can still be stolen from hacked accounts – a suitably strong password, 2-factor authentication, or even biometric security should be used to keep the account as secure as possible.
The risks:
- feeling pressured to create content – appropriate or not
- creating content that is inappropriate, offensive or harmful
- having media, private or not, shared without permission
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:
- Ensure they have a secure login, such as password or 2-factor authentication
- Have they set up account recovery details in case their account is hacked
- Explore their social media profile – what is public and private? Are they aware of any risks or benefits?
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:
- If the content is being created in response to someone else’s content or request – what are their motivations; is there a potential for harm?
- Ensure that learners are aware of the risks of social media content – could it be be offensive, harmful or bullying to someone else?
- What does your content say about you – are you creating a smart and kind public presence?
Information:
Your Online Identity – Own It – BBC
“Someone posted my image on an inappropriate website!” – Own It – BBC
When people’s posts are getting you down – Own It – BBC
Social media guides | Safer Internet Centre
Social-Media-Guide-teachers-and-support-staff.pdf (childnet.com)
Apps guide for parents | Internet Matters
Facebook Checklist – Download or Buy Facebook Checklist | SWGfL
Twitter Checklist – Download or Buy Twittter Checklist | SWGfL
Instagram Privacy Checklist | SWGfL
Snapchat Checklist – Download or Buy Snapchats Checklist | SWGfL
Create – Social Media
It is possible to create content that isn’t shared online but more of our images and video is shared online. Sharing content publicly has higher risks than private content. If it is shared publicly then there is greater risk of images being shared without permission or commented negatively on.
Privately created content has less inherent risk – if it is private to your device or account and no one can access it, then it is less likely to be shared against your wishes, or commented on negatively. However, even private and un-shared content can still be stolen from hacked accounts – a suitably strong password, 2-factor authentication, or even biometric security should be used to keep the account as secure as possible.
The risks:
- feeling pressured to create content – appropriate or not
- creating content that is inappropriate, offensive or harmful
- having media, private or not, shared without permission
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:
- Ensure they have a secure login, such as password or 2-factor authentication
- Have they set up account recovery details in case their account is hacked
- Explore their social media profile – what is public and private? Are they aware of any risks or benefits?
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:
- If the content is being created in response to someone else’s content or request – what are their motivations; is there a potential for harm?
- Ensure that learners are aware of the risks of social media content – could it be be offensive, harmful or bullying to someone else?
- What does your content say about you – are you creating a smart and kind public presence?
Information:
Toolkit – information literacy resources
Social media myths – Own It – BBC
Joe Tasker Down The Rabbit Hole: social media viewing habits. – Own It – BBC
When people’s posts are getting you down – Own It – BBC
Social media guides | Safer Internet Centre
Social media guides | Safer Internet Centre
Social-Media-Guide-teachers-and-support-staff.pdf (childnet.com)
Apps guide for parents | Internet Matters
Facebook Checklist – Download or Buy Facebook Checklist | SWGfL
Twitter Checklist – Download or Buy Twittter Checklist | SWGfL
Instagram Privacy Checklist | SWGfL
Snapchat Checklist – Download or Buy Snapchats Checklist | SWGfL
Create – the Cyber Resilience Internet Safety Teacher Toolkit
Consume: spending money online
Cyber resilience guidance
Devices
The first potential vulnerability when spending online is the device not being securely set up. Check with learners that they have:
- a screenlock that requires a passcode or biometric (face or fingerprint) to log in to stop unauthorised access (hacking)
- the latest operating system (usually iOS, android or Windows) installed as this usually fixes potential security vulnerabilities
- antivirus software installed, turned on and updated to reduce risk of viruses or ransomware
- installed apps from approved providers, such as App Store or Play Store to avoid malicious content
- only using secure websites that have the padlock symbol and https in the address bar
Accounts
When setting up and using accounts with access to funds, such as shopping, gaming or streaming, users should:
- stick to well-known platforms that other people use regularly, such as supermarkets and apps from the app store or Play store
- use review sites, such as Trustpilot, when using a new or less well-known app
- consider using a separate email account form the one used to access their bank
- use a stronger password including three random words and not share this with anyone
- use 2FA or additional security features when available
Report and support
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of scams, fraud or theft should report it to Police Scotland by phoning 101.
Whether a victim or not, all potential scams should be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) who will investigate and then remove or block the scams so that others do not fall victim.
If money has been stolen, or personal details accessed from a financial account, then contact the bank or service provider immediately and then update login details such as email address, password and 2FA.
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