Read the latest reports on children’s safety on messaging apps, WHO guidelines on physical activities, latest scams, social media platforms, education and more…
TOP NEWS THIS WEEK:
CHILDREN AT RISK ON MESSAGING SERVICES
A briefing from the Children’s Commissioner reveals significant under-age and risky use of messaging platforms by children. It reports that over a third of children using private messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook or Messenger have received content that made them uncomfortable and one in ten stated it came from a stranger. Of particular concern is the finding that one in twenty teenage girls share photos with strangers. Read more here.
WHO: NEW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
The World Health Organisation issued new guidelines on physical exercise as it reported that globally 80% of adolescents are not active enough. Physical activity can improve children’s overall health (both physical and mental), cognitive outcomes and risk of obesity. To find out the recommended daily activity for 5-17-year olds read more here.
EPIDEMIC OF SCAMS
A BBC report reveals the techniques of fraudsters who use fake job advertisements to collect personal information and to require upfront payments for DBS checks and training. A report by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute highlights that people suffering from mental health issues are three times more likely to fall for a scam. Read more here.
MORE NEWS:
DPD and Royal Mail Delivery Related Scams
DPD and Royal Mail have released warnings about delivery-related scams. According to the two companies, people have been receiving cleverly worded scams on emails, texts and Facebook Messenger. Don’t click on any links from odd emails with subject lines like: Reassessing Parcel Delivery – Redelivery Confirmation – dpdwhoznt. Read more on the DPD and Royal Mail website for examples of the scams.
Gambling and Alcohol Ads Muted on YouTube
A blog post by the Vice President of YouTube, Debbie Weinstein, stated that the platform will now have a new control in ad settings that will allow people to restrict alcohol or gambling related ads. This new option will first roll out in the US before being implemented in the UK. Read more here.
Gooseberry Planet offers over 60 comprehensive lesson plans on all aspects of online safety for 5-13-year olds. Digital workbooks and fun, online games to reinforce learning make it ideal for teaching remotely. Our Guru Product has an in-depth video about online scams. Click here to find out more about Gooseberry Planet!
