Social media platforms

Snapchat and TikTok are becoming increasingly popular apps. National Online Safety have produced supporting guidance in discussing the safe use of these platforms with young people, which can be accessed here.

Online communities

Gaming - As much as gaming is seen as a distraction for young people, there are some occasions where it can be seen as a positive. Read this blog which discusses how gaming supported a young person’s mental health. There is also information about safeguarding young people online and parental controls here.

The ways in which teenagers play are often a source of concern or conflict within families and schools. The ways in which teenagers play include: hanging out; trying new things influenced by friends rather than family; risk taking; online activity including gaming.

The organisation Playful Childhoods has produced various resources around 'Supporting Teenagers’ with play (webpage with translation function). Top tips for supporting teenagers with play is also available to download here.

Play online games with your friends. Have a look at what is available on the app stores on your phones or go to gaming platforms such as Steam to browse multiplayer games. Kast is a good screen capture app that could be used to share your gameplay.

Go on a virtual trip together. Museums, zoos, aquariums and more are offering livestreams and virtual tours. Some links are available here and there are plenty more to be found online. Use a video chat platform to make this a group trip.

Organise a film night with your friends using Netflix Party. You can watch a programme together and join a group chat to talk. Netflix Party lets you synchronize Netflix watching across device/locations and adds chat feature between a group

DIY Science: anyone can be an engineer with Siemans who have produced quick and simple experiments that KS2 children could do simultaneously in their homes and watch how their friends are getting on at the same time/chat with each other.