The potential risks of social media for young people
As more and more young people spend time online, it is vital for those working with young people to be aware of the risks that come with digital platforms. One of these risks is exposure to upsetting or harmful content.
To support young people who may come across this type of content, the Childnet Team have created “Activities to Help Learners Who May See Upsetting Content.” To download this resource click here.
The activities in this resource are suitable for young people aged 5-11 and can be adapted to suit different learning styles. They are also designed to be used in a variety of settings, including schools, youth clubs, and at home.
How this resource can help educators empower their young people
We wanted to make sure that learning how to deal with upsetting content online is accessible and engaging. So the resource provides a range of interactive activities designed to help young people think about what they would do in scenarios where they could see upsetting content.
For example, one activity asks learners to work together to produce top tips for dealing with upsetting content online. Another engaging activity encourages learners to write a poem around keywords such as “report” or “abuse.”
These activities provide a structured way for young people to talk about their thoughts and emotions surrounding harmful content. Embedding this activity in the classroom will enable educators to build young people’s digital resilience and minimise the negative if a young person encounters harmful content online.
Here is a preview of the activity resource. Click here to download.
What role do teachers and professionals play in the world of online safety?
At Childnet, we strive to empower young people with the necessary skills to safely navigate the potential risks of the online world. This mission can only be achieved by helping parents, teachers, and other youth workers to be knowledgeable about dealing with current and new online risks and potentials.
We provide tools for individuals who work with and care for young people to promote online safety within their environment, and this resource serves as just one example. Together we can help to ensure that young people have positive online experiences by teaching them how to avoid and what to do if they do encounter harmful content online.
This pack supports young people in dealing with upsetting content online
Exposure to upsetting content can be a traumatic experience for a young person. However, with preventative support and resources, we can help them navigate the online world with caution and confidence.
This resource is an excellent tool for educators who are working with young people and want to help them keep safe online. Through healthy dialogue, professional guidance, and a network for support we can increase the digital resilience of our young people.
So empower your young people and download this resource pack by clicking here
