Keep up to date with our news...

• Cyber safe families - X

  Wed 28 Feb 2024

  The social media network formerly known as Twitter has undergone numerous alterations since its change of ownership and rebranding as X – and many of these recent developments have proved controversial. With any user now simply able to pay a fee for account verification, for example, the once-reliable ‘blue tick’ system has become largely meaningless.

  It’s just one of several changes that have set the social media giant on what many consider a concerning path in online safety terms. This guide provides a run-down of the most significant tweaks made to X; their potential safeguarding implications; and how to help ensure young people minimise the risks while they continue to use the service.

  

• Cyber Safe Families - Social Pressures Linked to 'Likes'

  Wed 21 Feb 2024

  ‘Likes’ are a simple way for users to show that they approve of a post on social media. This could be anything from photos and videos to status updates and comments. The feature is widely used on several social media platforms and is particularly popular on Instagram and Facebook. It is often used by children to measure the success of their social media posts and gauge opinion about them. However, it can also bring a number of social pressures, particularly if users start to question their own levels of popularity.

  In this guide, you'll find tips for avoiding potential risks such as damage to self-esteem, addiction and competitiveness.

  

• Cyber Safe Families - Persuasive Design Online

  Wed 07 Feb 2024

  For many companies who operate in the online space, attention and engagement are the holy grail. Social media sites in particular make deliberate creative choices to keep people scrolling, reading, watching and clicking. This phenomenon is known as ‘persuasive design’ and it’s being employed in the vast majority of the digital world’s most popular destinations.

  A study by the charity 5Rights Foundation concluded that “…the brain's response to rewards and punishments can be leveraged through persuasive design to keep children online.” To tie in with Safer Internet Day 2024, our guide this week can help to educate youngsters on the effects of persuasive design – and suggests ways to insulate themselves from its influence.