E-Safety

E-Safety and Digital Wellbeing at STARS

Technology has become integral to young people's lives, and it is important that they know how to stay safe online and make the most of the opportunities that the internet provides.

Screen Time and Wellbeing

At STARS, we understand managing screen time is a challenge for most teenagers and their families.
Innocent and Clare are available to support you and your teen if they are struggling with managing screen time.

Studies show that too much screen time can affect our bodies, especially for children. Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, so teens are especially at risk.

Research highlights several ways excessive screen time can impact the brain and body:

•  Sleep Disruption: Excessive screen time (teens average over 7 hours daily) can disrupt sleep by reducing the body’s production of melatonin, which helps us fall asleep.
• Emotional Health: Some studies link higher levels of screen time to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Excessive use may also lead to neglecting responsibilities or using screens to deal with stress.
• Brain Development: Too much screen time may cause physical changes to the brain’s cortex, the outer layer that processes information. For example, one study showed children using screens more than seven hours a day had a thinner cortex.

Immediate Steps to Manage Screen Time

We recommend using device controls and setting clear boundaries:

• Use Device Controls link.
• Establish Boundaries: Turn off all screens 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
• Encourage Balance: Schedule time to do things without phones or other screens, such as going outside, trying a new hobby, or exercising.

Learn more about how spending excessive time on electronic devices can affect your brain and body by reading the NIDA's action guide:
NIDA Screen Time Action Guide

Worried something happed online?
There is support for you.

Removing Intimate Images (Report Remove)

Report Remove is here to help young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.

The service is safe, easy, and free, and is run by Childline in partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). It can even be used to report AI-generated images or videos that look like they could be you.

AI and Young People

As technology continues to evolve, it is important to keep up with the latest trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s vitally important we talk to children and young people about the incredible positives of AI and balance that with the shortcomings and risks.

Children are using AI chatbots not only for schoolwork but also for seeking advice and even companionship. Parents and students should be aware of potential risks:

·         A majority of children who use AI chatbots have high trust in the advice they receive, even when it is inaccurate.

·         Exposure to harmful content can occur despite age prohibitions.

·         There is a risk of over-reliance on chatbots, which may impact critical thinking skills.

Here is a guide to help you navigate with understanding and safeguarding children’s use of AI: Me, Myself and AI: Chatbot research - Internet Matters

Further E-Safety Information

Top Tips for Pupils:

·         Think before you post: Messages and images/photos posted online can last forever and could be shared publicly by anyone.

·         Don't give in to pressure: If you lose your inhibitions, you've lost control. Once you've pressed send, you can't take it back.

·         Know where to find help: Tell a trusted adult if you are worried by anything online or something makes you feel uncomfortable. Concerns can be reported to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre (CEOP).

·         Privacy settings: Use the privacy tools available on social networking sites to protect your personal information.

·         It's never too late to tell someone: Speak to someone if you feel something has gone wrong.

Other Useful Links for Parents and Students:

• CEOP: https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre

• ChildLine: https://www.childline.org.uk/

• Childnet: https://www.childnet.com/

• Internet Watch Foundation: https://www.iwf.org.uk/

• NSPCC/O2 Online Safety: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

• UK Safer Internet Centre: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/

• Vodafone Digital Parenting: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/digital-parenting