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Accompanied with my unique experience and advanced knowledge of online
behaviour, this has allowed me to speak with authority on online safety and the dangers
of social media and gaming. Traditionally part of child safeguarding in schools, online

safety is certainly now very much a standalone area that requires specific training and
workshops for the whole school, including staff, pupils, and parents.

Online safety affects everyone, everywhere

Here in UK, it is now mandatory for schools to have online safety training, and this
includes British international schools and those teaching the UK Curriculum. However,

online safety is of paramount importance regardless of which country the school is in,
as geographic location has no bearing on the fact that all children, teenagers, and young
adults use devices, social media, apps, online games, and gaming communities.

It is also worth remembering that students’ online behaviour can have a massive impact
on their future goals and aspirations, particularly as a result of the cybervetting of

applicants by employers and universities. This means that online safety is not just about
‘stranger danger;’ it has moved on, and up-to-date guidance and awareness has never
been more important.

The impact of online games and social media

Regardless of a school’s location around the world, today’s children grow up with access

to computers, laptops, tablets, and phones – all with access to the internet. This makes
the internet more accessible than ever before. What is more, most students love to
explore and experiment, as children have always done; it is an essential element in

learning.

Unfortunately, that exploration and experimentation can lead them to virtual ‘places’
that are legally off-limits, inappropriate or that can damage their ‘online brand.’ This
inappropriate behaviour can easily occur without their even being aware that they are

doing anything wrong - in other words, they can become unintentional victims.

With unlimited access to the internet, children must be aware of the abundant risks -
some of which can lead to danger and harm. These risks will change for children as they

grow and develop through different age groups.

Social media platforms, and more importantly apps, are the ‘game changer.’ Despite
these platforms having age restrictions, these get ignored, and the result is a total lack

of protection in these areas. Direct messaging through apps is commonplace, and this
has seen a rise in interaction between strangers masquerading behind the title of
‘contact’ or ‘friend.’