Summer Online Safety Update

Dear Parents/Carers,

The safety of our St Mary’s children is an important aspect of their well being within and outside of school. Please read the latest updates from the National Online Safety Governing Body which includes advice on the current popular game, Fortnite and also social media improvements. These are very important as the introduction of the new GDPR  data protection laws are coming into effect on the 25th May 2018.

Please see details below:

Whatsapp announce ban for Under 16’s in the EU.

‘WhatsApp’ have announced that they will ban under 16s from using their service in the EU, ahead of the introduction of the GDPR which will come into force on the 25th May 2018. Currently, the minimum age limit for WhatsApp users is 13 years old. Under the new Terms and Conditions of use, WhatsApp users will be asked to confirm their age in order to proceed with using the service. Users will be required to nominate a parent or carer to give permission for them to share data. If users do not obtain permission, they will experience a less personalised version

Fortnite: Battle Royale

You may have come across your pupils talking about the game Fortnite. As with many online games, Fortnite: Battle Royale comes with risks to children and young people. The game is PEGI rated at 12+ however, there is no proof of age required, which can expose younger children to violent content as well as inappropriate comments from older users. (Please find an helpful parent sheet attached.)