Hello and welcome back to Safeguarding Soundbites, your podcast for catching up on all of the latest online safeguarding news, with me, Colin Stitt, Head of Safer Schools at Ineqe Safeguarding Group.

Many families around Northern Ireland will have been anxiously awaiting their child’s transfer test results this weekend – but what happens if the scores aren’t what was hoped for? We’ve created a guide to help you to support your child with their transfer test results, whatever the score. It’s full of practical advice and support – you can find it on our website www.saferschoolsni.co.uk.

This week we’ve also been looking into Locket, the iOS widget that’s designed for sharing photos with friends. Locket users can send photos directly to each other’s home screen. It’s essentially allowing contacts to put photos directly onto each other’s iPhone home screen. But how safe is it? Our online safety experts have taken a look and can be found in our Online Safety Section.

In the news this week, online trolling may soon become an offense punishable by up to two years in prison, under the upcoming Online Harms Bill. Messages that have been posted online that are likely to cause harm by someone aware of or intending to do so, would be classed as a punishable offence. The bill, which is currently being finalised, will see a range of new legal measures put into place to protect online users, including specific regulations to safeguard children.

New research has found that children are more likely to suffer abuse online if their parents are excessively using their phones. The study by Leicester University and Internet Matters also suggest that children who excessively use social media suffer over 80% more negative emotions like anxiety and insecurity.

Thank you for listening and we love to hear your feedback so please get in touch via our website, email or social media. Have a great week and stay safe!