Group Chats 

Is your child part of any group chats? This could be on social media, for example on WhatsApp or within games such as Fortnite. If so, it is important that you are aware of the potential risks, which include:

• Inappropriate content – there is often a lack of moderation within chat facilities so users could be exposed to content/language that is not suitable for their age.
• Bullying – there are many instances where inappropriate/hurtful comments are shared within groups, this could take the form of name calling or body shaming. Bullying can also be in the form of excluding others from the group. These issues often overspill into ‘real life’.
• Strangers – your child could be added to groups with people they do not know or even with someone that they have previously blocked.
• Conversations can be shared/screen shot – make sure your child is aware that anything they share within a group can be shared with others.
• Sharing personal information – remind your child to be aware of the information they share with others, including images and location.

How can I help make group chats safer?

• Check the recommended age rating and adhere to them.
• Set up age-appropriate parental controls, suitable privacy settings and set screen time limits.
• On WhatsApp you can do a privacy check, by going to settings, privacy and privacy checkup.
• Show your child how to use any reporting and blocking tools.

What else can I do?

• It is crucial to have regular conversations with your child about the risks outlined above and about what they are doing online.
• Talk about who they are chatting with, encourage them to think carefully about what they send and how it could be perceived by others.
• Talk about positivity and not saying anything hurtful. Ask them to think about whether they would say what they are messaging, face to face.
• Devices should be used in family rooms so you can monitor what they are doing and who they are interacting with.
• Finally, make sure to model good digital behaviour yourself, as children often learn by observing the adults around them.

Further information around gaming safety 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-games/