Final Fantasy XIV is an online game which allows thousands of players to occupy a far-reaching world simultaneously – embarking on quests and fighting monsters alongside one another – which has risen to a high level of popularity in more recent years. According to a study from the UK Safer Internet Centre, 73% of young people have experienced unpleasant or inappropriate behaviour while enjoying an online game. As an always-online game, several safety concerns can arise when playing this PEGI 16-rated multiplayer title – especially for young people.

As a trusted adult, it can be intimidating to figure out where the risks lie when dealing with such a huge and expansive game – but being aware of these concerns and how to mitigate them is absolutely vital when making online safety decisions if there are younger gamers in your care – especially under-16s, for whom the game is unsuitable according to its PEGI 16 rating. Fortunately, this week’s free guide offers expert advice on the risks present in Final Fantasy XIV, and suggests steps you can take to ensure young people are as safe as possible online.

One of the most valuable skills a child can carry into adulthood is conflict resolution. From simple playground spats to much more serious fights, handling these disagreements in a mature, constructive way can sometimes be uncomfortable and can also prove rather tricky. This is especially important to remember when it comes to children, who could be experiencing this kind of situation for the very first time. 

Bringing effective, reasonable solutions to disputes is a difficult talent to learn and an even harder one to master. It’s vital that parents and educators know how to support young people in developing this critical skill, and our free guide teaches you exactly that. This week, we’re covering how best to help children manage conflicts. 

NHS statistics indicate that the need for mental health support for children and young people in the UK is higher than ever, with 1 in 6 children (16%) reported as being in need of such help. Unchecked worry and anxiety in under-18s is a key contributor to this figure, with roughly 4 in 10 children (37.4%) saying they don’t receive regular support from their school or college

While everyone feels a touch of concern over the future now and then, chronic worry and anxiety can feel unending. This can cause significant damage to young people’s wellbeing – such as losing sleep, feeling emotionally drained, and having their school grades impacted. It’s vital that children and young people suffering from worry and anxiety have effective tools to manage their fears and regain control, and know when to seek further help. This Wake Up Wednesday, we’re offering expert guidance on how to provide that support.

The sharing of nudes, semi-nudes and other explicit material is a prominent issue in today’s digital landscape: both their distribution and their misuse. In fact, the National Crime Agency has issued an alert to hundreds of thousands of education professionals after a study found that 26,718 cases of “sextortion” had been reported in 2023 – more than doubling from the year before.

It’s vital for parents and educators to be aware of how they can safeguard children from exposure to, or involvement in, sharing intimate images – especially given that the sharing of such material featuring under-18s is a serious criminal offence. This week’s guide offers expert insight into the risks of sharing intimate images online, as well as tips on implementing measures to shield children from encountering inappropriate digital content of a sexual nature.