Digital Citizenship – Group Chats
Occurring through messaging apps, on social media and in online games, group chats are among the most popular ways that young people engage with their peers online. Involving, by definition, three or more individuals, these groups allow users to send messages, images and videos to everyone in one place. While they are fantastic for helping friends, people with shared interests or members of a club to communicate and coordinate activities, they can also leave young people feeling excluded and bullied – as well as providing opportunities for inappropriate content to be shared and viewed.
Like with all useful things in the online world, the last thing we want to do is ban them altogether, causing children to miss out and feel isolated from their friends. With a little bit of advice, particularly about elements such as considering others feelings, and the occasional light monitoring, they can be the amazing social tool they were designed to be. Please have a look at the attached guide for lots of great tips!
Also if you have any specific concerns about the online world, further questions about e-safety, or any other aspect of computing, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me through email markadkins@crescentschool.co.uk.
