GMS appreciates the benefits of social media; it also is acutely aware of the downsides. Social media platforms offer opportunities for creativity and connection, they also present challenges as they become increasingly prevalent in the lives of our students.
Parents and carers are urged to be open and honest in discussions; for example, there are consequences if social media is misused to harass or intimidate individuals.
The National College website has a wealth of information for parent/carer(s) on the subject of social media as well as other topics.
On your first visit, you must register for a free parent/carer account. Once registered, you can access courses, guides and videos.
Many social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, have age restrictions, which have been introduced to keep students safe. We encourage all parents and carers to be curious and involved in their children’s online activities.
Cyber Security Training for Parents/Carers
Also, GMS is pleased to share informative about Cyber Security training presentations hosted by The Thames Valley Cyber Protect team. The sessions offer practical tips for managing your family’s online behaviour and internet-enabled device usage.
- Emails and Mobile Phones – learn the art of spotting scams, including phishing and other fraudulent activities, and share these tips with your children.
- Social Media Safety – understand the risks associated with social engineering, disinformation, AI, privacy, and hacked accounts.
- Gaming – discover the potential risks young people face when gaming online and explore ways to monitor and restrict usage.
- Password Mastery and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – secure your accounts and teach your family to follow best practice in digital security.
To participate in the Cyber Security training sessions, please follow this link to register for the free sessions.
