Below is a list of useful resources to promote the safe, responsible and informed use of the Internet and digital devices. We have provided a range of materials to give you an overview of current issues in online safety and also to provide help and support with specific apps, websites or devices. With the ever changing nature of digital technology, we will regularly update this page with any resources we think will be relevant and useful. Please note that with the device/Internet monitoring/restriction products we are not endorsing or recommending any of the listed products.
Last updated: 17th April 2023
Resource |
Link |
Description |
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Reporting Tools - Merseyside Police Guide. |
A one page guide to reporting harmful online content & getting advice. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (March) |
This month's edition discusses TikTok, online scams, gangs and county lines along with the online gaming platform 'Steam'. |
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National Online Safety - Parent/Carer guide to Artifical Intelligence (AI) solutions. |
This free online safety guide looks at the rise of artificial intelligence solutions. It highlights potential risks such as inaccurate information, reinforcing stereotypes and what impact the technology might have on children’s creativity and problem-solving skills. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (February) |
This month's edition discusses the 'ChatGPT' AI chatbot, the new social media app 'HiPal - Walkie Talkie' and some of the new safety features of Instagram, Spotify and Sky Broadband. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (January) |
The January edition of our Online Safety Newsletter. This month's edition discusses broadband setup safety settings, the messaging app 'WhatsApp', the social media apps 'Whizz' and 'Mastodon' along with an update on TikTok safety settings. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (November) |
The November edition of our Online Safety Newsletter. This month's edition discusses the popular online game 'Roblox', the social networking apps 'Discord' and 'Yubo' along with some new safety features which have been added to Twitter. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (October) |
The October edition of our monthly Online Safety Newsletter, This month's issue looks at popular new social media app 'BeReal' and the new safety features of SnapChat. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (September) |
The September edition of our monthly Online Safety Newsletter, This month's issue looks at Instagram, Discord and Omegle mobile phone apps. |
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Parental Controls Booklet (2022 Update) |
An updated for 2022 guide to setting parent controls for a range of devices and apps. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter (July) |
The July edition of our monthly Online Safety Newsletter. This month's issue looks at TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp along with new messaging app 'SendIT' and online challenges/hoaxes. |
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Digital Safeguarding in 60 seconds (May) |
Digital Safeguarding in 60 seconds - Password security, online conspiracy theories and NFTs. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. May 2022. |
The May edition of our WKGS Online Safety Newsletter discusses TikTok, Apple smart watch safety settings, the dangers of pop-up adverts and information about online sexual harassment. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. April 2022. |
The April edition of our WKGS Online Safety Newsletter focusing on the media coverage of the Ukraine crisis, the use of social media and its role in spreading dis-information and the use of Parental Controls for games console devices. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. March 2022. |
The March edition of our WKGS Online Safety Newsletter focusing on smart watches/fitness trackers, Snapchat and supporting students with SEND online. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. February 2022. |
The February edition of our WKGS Online Safety Newsletter focusing on Online gaming. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. December 2021. |
The December edition of our WKGS Online Safety Newsletter focusing on Online gaming. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. November 2021 |
The November edition of our WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. This month's edition includes advice regarding online gaming, the "Squid Game" series, online scams and Anti-Bullying Week. |
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WKGS Online Safety Newsletter. October 2021 |
The first of our monthly WKGS Online Safety Newsletter publications, produced in partnership with Knowsley City Learning Centre. This issue discusses safety concerns and app features to promote safe, responsible use for YouTube, Roblox, Gacha Life along with tips on iPhone and Android phone security settings. |
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"Yubo" App |
Previously known as Yellow, the Yubo app is extremely popular among teens. It mimics adult social media & dating apps like Tinder, it has been referred to by social media commentators as being a dating app for teens – as such there is scope for such a platform to be misused. Wirral’s Contextual and Compass teams have seen a recent increase in children and young people using this app. This has resulted in some of our young people going missing to meet other peers through the app, potentially placing themselves at great risk of harm and abuse. |
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"Monkey" App |
Information about "Monkey", a relatively new online video chat app which has been found to contain large amounts of inappropriate, disturbing, and harmful content. INEQE Safeguarding Group give an overview of the app, the concerns they have and provide advice and support. |
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TikTok guidance summary sheet |
A single page advice and guidance sheet on TikTok for parents and carers provided by National Online Safety. |
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"Wink" App Guide for Parents |
Wink is a new app which allows users to find and connect to 'new friends' on Snapchat. It provides a search facility for users to seek out new contacts online. Wondershare have reviewed the app and share their serious concerns regarding its safety in this article. |
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"Friend Finding" Apps - Safer Schools Guide |
Safer Schools review the features of 'Wink' and similar 'friend finding' app, 'Hoop' |
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TikTok Checklist |
A useful resource provided by SWGFL and Safer Internet Centre on TikTok. Tips on privacy, parental control, blocking users and reporting concerns. |
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Report Harmful Content |
Report Harmful Content is a useful resource to quickly report any online content you come across which you may consider to be harmful. |
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PlayStation 5 Parental Controls |
A guide provided by Safer Internet Centre UK on parental controls settings for the Sony PlayStation 5. |
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Instagram Live Rooms |
A guide to the new "Live Rooms" feature of Instagram which is currently being rolled out. |
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Houseparty: A guide for parents |
A guide to the 'Houseparty' video chat app. |
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Omegle Chat App - BBC Report |
BBC investigation into the Omegle "Chat to Strangers" app. |
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Safeguarding Alert Omegle App |
An overview of the Omegle App following recent concerns about unsafe use. |
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Digital Safeguarding in 60 Seconds |
A weekly 60 second round up of online safety issues: Activity tracking apps, eating disorders and social media + general online safety advice. |
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TikTok Family Pairing |
TikTok Family Pairing Feature enables the remote monitoring / restriction of certain features on TikTok accounts. |
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Is TikTok Safe? (Documentary) |
A BBC documentary investigating the TikTok App. |
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Safer Internet Centre UK |
Safer Internet Centre UK are an organisation whose purpose is to promote the safe and responsible use of technology for young people. |
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Childnet |
Childnet is a charity organisation which provides advice, tips and resources for parents and carers, teachers and young people. |
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Internet Matters |
Internet Matters is a non-profit organisation with the aim to empower parents and carers to keep children safe in the digital world. They provide advice for specifc devices and apps. |
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Parent Zone |
Parent Zone provide support and information to parents, children and schools, working globally to help families to navigate the Internet safely and confidently. |
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NSPCC |
An NSPCC advice surrounding the sharing of inappropriate content online. |
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CEOP |
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command - Part of UK National Crime Agency. This site is for the reporting of online abuse. |
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Google Family Link |
Google Family Link is an app provided by Google which allows for the restricton/setting limits to screen time, restriction of certain content and phone location tracking. |
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Circle |
Circle is a (paid) app which allows for restriction/setting limits to screen time and restriction of certain content. Circle allows for the restriction/blocking of certain apps. |
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Boomerang |
Boomerang is a (paid) app which allows for restriction/setting limits to screen time and restriction of certain content. |
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Qustodio |
Qustodio is a (paid) app which allows for restriction/setting limits to screen time and restriction of certain content. |
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WKGS Online Safety Information Evening |
PowerPoint presentation used for our Online Safety Information Evening. |