Internet Safety – MDLT Blog

Safer School Scotland App – Reminder

As the holidays approach the Digital Learning Team would like to remind all our educators and learners in Moray about the brilliant resources available to them through the Safer Schools Scotland app. While we have our fingers crossed for good weather so everyone can get out and enjoy everything Moray has to offer, we know that for some the holidays mean they may be spending more time online and need some support and guidance to make their online experience as positive as possible.

The Safer Schools Scotland App is a free app for mobile or tablet devices which provides school communities with up to date digital safeguarding and online safety information. Each school has their own bespoke version of the app with their own school’s details and join codes. The version of the app a user sees is based on their role – Learners, Teacher, Safe Guarding Lead or Parent/Guardian and has appropriate content for each role. Schools can contact the Digital Learning Team for details of their schools join codes and log in details if required.

In addition to the Safer Schools Scotland app the we also like to highlight two other free resources from Ineqe Safeguarding Group the which families can access for guidance and support –

- Safety Centre – contains guides on popular app, reporting/blocking content and how to use safety and privacy setting on different types of devices.
- Home Learning Hub – library of resources, articles and guides on how to help children and young people be safer online.

All the resources listed above are constantly monitored and updated to reflect changes in the online landscape, emerging trends and to highlight credible risks.

Mind Yer Time – Supporting Young People’s Healthy Use Of Social Media

Designed by children and young people from Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament to empower other children and young people across Scotland to use screens and social media in healthy ways Mind Yer Time is an online set of resources.

It has useful links for adults, children and young people, provides advice and guidance on topics such as: body positivity, children’s digital rights, online bulling and videogaming addiction.

There is no account or sign up required. You can find all the great resources at – https://mindyertime.scot/

ALERT – Phishing email targeting teachers and education staff

There have been reports by a number of teachers and education staff in local authorities across Scotland that they have been receiving phishing emails which appear to have come from their Head Teacher’s personal or school email account.

The fake email requests that the recipient purchase Amazon vouchers on behalf of the Head Teacher as a gift for staff due to their hard work during lock-down and that the voucher details are then sent to the Head Teacher’s personal account as they are having issues with their corporate or Glow email account.

These emails are a scam! Please do not purchase any vouchers. Delete the email and inform your Head Teacher if you receive one.

Citizens Advice have reported that 36% of British adults have been the target of a scam since lockdown began, and phishing is just one method being used. For more details on how you can protect yourself against scams visit Take Five To Stop Fraud and remember their top five tips –

1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
2. Don’t assume an email, text or phone call is authentic
3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine organisation won’t mind waiting
4. Listen to your instincts – you know if something doesn’t feel right
5. Stay in control – don’t panic and make a decision you’ll regret

For more information on staying online check out our Internet Safety Page – click here.