2 minute read
Bright World Guardianships
Online Gaming - great fun but who else is playing?
We know that our guardianship students often spend more time online and gaming during their school holidays. Wherever they are, we want to make sure they are doing so safely.The advent of online streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch has introduced younger children to vast online networks of fellow players of all ages.
While playing games online, it is important that children are taught to think about how much information they are sharing with strangers and how to keep themselves safe. They need to be aware that people of all ages may be playing. These platforms can be used for the purposes of grooming children. It is so important that anyone they are playing with starts to ask them to share images or makes them feel uncomfortable they should never reply and should report this to a teacher or their guardian straight away. These people can then be reported and blocked from the game. It is vitally important that they know they should never agree to meet in person anyone that they meet online. Students should never share their personal information online. This includes password details for online accounts, their name,
Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. Unlike offline bullying, it can be difficult for children to avoid cyberbullying as it can follow them wherever they go; social media, online gaming and mobile phones make it easier for bullies to contact their victims. We urge students experiencing cyberbullying to speak with an adult that they can trust, either a teacher, their host family or their Bright World Buddy. Common types of cyberbullying can include:
• threatening or abusive messages • sharing embarrassing images or videos • exclusion from online activities or groups • encouraging young people to self-harm • sending explicit messages
Online challenges, often associated with the social networking platform, TikTok have taken the online world by storm in recent years. Viral stories, hoaxes, or challenges are designed to look enticing to younger users, who then feel pressured to participate or risk losing the respect of their peers. The challenges vary but often involve individuals harming themselves or others. These challenges can often fun or silly at first but this can quickly escalate.
CORY HOLDEN, ADMISSIONS & MARKETING MANAGER
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AEGIS
Association for the Education &
Guardianship of International Students The Wheelhouse, Bond’s Mill Estate, Bristol Road, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3RF +44 (0) 1453 821293
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