As part of the Thinkuknow programme, CEOP have launched a brand new resource ‘Play Like Share’.
The three-episode animated series and accompanying resource pack aims to help eight-to-ten year olds learn how to stay safe from sexual abuse, exploitation and other risks they might encounter online such as sharing content.
The films follow the adventures of Sam, Ellie and Alfie as they form a band and enter their school’s Battle of the Bands contest, taking on the mean but ‘cool’ Popcorn Wizards as they go. The three friends learn that while the internet can help them in pursuit of their goal, they need to use it wisely and safely.
The characters online behaviour mirrors that of many eight-to-ten year olds, gaming, chatting and sharing content is integrated into their friendships and free-time. Whilst this age group are often familiar with these types of online activities, they aren’t always able to recognise risky situations or behaviours.
Play Like Share helps children to identify the signs of pressurising and threatening behaviour in an age appropriate way. This is explored through highly relatable characters and non-frightening peer-on-peer scenarios, where children recognise tactics such as flattery or bribery or that feeling you might get when something’s not right. The resources aims to develop children’s confidence and skills to respond to these situations and get help when they need it.
Included in the resource pack are some targeted extension sessions, designed to be delivered to small groups of particularly risk-taking or vulnerable children. The sessions focus on key issues related to this specific group, including self-esteem, commercial risks, privacy and security and inappropriate online contact from adults.
