Student Wellbeing and Pastoral News
Welcome back to term 4. It is sure to be a busy term, posing challenges in the form of assessments but also rewards as students can reflect on their year at Marian and all they have achieved.
As mentioned in a previous newsletter the College has partnered with Safe on Social to provide support to staff, students and parents around cyber safety and being a responsible digital citizen. Safe on Social have provided some TikTok safety tips below which you may find helpful and informative.
Parent Tips - Tips on TikTok
For Parents of Users Under 18:
1. Verify Age
Ensure your child has entered their correct date of birth when creating an account. New security features for users under 16 won't work if the age is incorrect. Correcting this is not easy, but it's vital for your child's safety.
2. Check for Updates
Stay informed about new security features. TikTok has introduced several features for users under 16, such as defaulting to private accounts and blocking direct messages.
3. Abide by Age Restrictions
TikTok recommends a minimum age of 13. Be aware of the content your child may encounter and supervise their usage. Facial recognition alone is not fool proof and as we mentioned above, it’s getting harder and harder to see what is AI generated or not.
4. Use Family Pairing
If you have a TikTok account, consider using Family Pairing for added protection. It allows you to manage your child's digital well-being and privacy settings.
5. Discuss Privacy
Teach your child the importance of keeping personal information offline. Encourage them not to film content in school uniforms, avoid revealing personal details, and be cautious about sharing identifiable information.
6. Teach Blocking and Reporting
Show your child how to block and report any online bullies. Familiarise yourself with the process and be ready to assist if necessary.
We are also aware of an alarming trend recently about the latest wave of AI-generated bots that are flooding social media platforms. As many of our students are active Tiktok users we wanted parents to be aware of how lifelike these bots have become, and the dangers they pose to our children.
Safe on social recently showed a screen recording that looks like a teenager dancing in a very sexualised way on Tiktok, however it was a completely fake young woman saying “hey boys follow me and click here”. Within just two clicks this video sent an unsuspecting user to adult content. That's why it's crucial to heavily supervise what your kids are watching on TikTok. Please, if you come across these deceptive images and links, report them immediately.
Parents, if your kids use your phone to access TikTok, be extra cautious, especially if your device is connected to your workplace
Remember, TikTok can be a fun platform, but safety should always come first. Stay informed and engaged with your child's online activities to ensure a positive and secure experience. For more tips on Tiktok and other cyber safety essentials please visit the Safe on Social website.
Ms Trish Star