Here at Longridge Town Juniors FC we want our young football community to be safe both on and off the pitch. We recognise young players are living in an increasingly evolving digital world where socialising online and live streaming are seamlessly intertwined with everyday life. Digital and real life are inextricably linked for some young people and all too often they are unable distinguish between face to face and online behaviour as for them, the boundaries are blurred.
Most young people are aware of basic internet safety such as not posting personal details publicly. However, young people often lack social skills to communicate respectfully online, fail to understand the impact of their digital footprint and lack discernment with online predatory tactics. The latter can cover a wide aspect of topics in terms of marketing, fake news and more seriously, online grooming.
Whilst the internet has many benefits as with any online platform there are pitfalls too. LTJFC online safety information aims to assist parents and young players understand the associated risks and how they can access further help and support by signposting to the experts. Below are useful websites containing expert advice and support.
https://parentzone.org.uk/home
https://www.askaboutgames.com/
AskAboutGames offer all the latest advice and guidance to help families understand how to play games safely and responsibly.
Parent Zone are experts in digital family life.
Providing support and information to parents, children and schools.
Thinkuknow is the education programme from CEOP – the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command of the National Crime Agency. Established to protect
children online and offer advice to parents.
CEOP
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is the command of the National Crime Agency. CEOP aims to protect children both online and offline with a focus on child sexual exploitation and online protection issues.
Any member of the public - whether a child, parent or professional - can report a concern about child sexual abuse or online exploitation to CEOP. All reports are assessed and responded to by CEOP's specialist Child Protection Advisors. If a police response is necessary, it would be conducted in partnership with your local police force.
Please remember that if a child or young person is in immediate danger then always call 999.
CEOP BUTTON
Parenting in a Digital Age and Managing Screen Time
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/parenting-digital-age-managing-screen-time
The following guides help parents and carers understand the apps young people are using, how to keep them safe by setting restrictions and what to do if you want to report a concern:
Parent guides to latest games
https://www.askaboutgames.com/advice/video-game-guides/
Parent guide to TikTok
https://parentzone.org.uk/article/tiktok-everything-you-need-know-about-video-production-app
Parent guide to Snapchat
https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/snapchat-safety-a-how-to-guide-for-parents/
Parent guides – General