Black Friday

23rd November 2023Louise Gatti

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have ballooned in popularity during the past few years, as prices on almost everything are slashed for a few precious days. With consumers in the UK alone spending a staggering £9.4 billion over last year’s discounted digital shopping weekend, it can often become a frenetic rush to grab tech, games and other products at knock-down prices.

Such radical reductions are especially welcome at this time of year – but Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also peak season for scammers, who bet on a sense of urgency blinding shoppers to the red flags in their ‘offers’. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide highlights some common warning signs to help you bag the goods without being left out of pocket.

Smart TV

16th November 2023Louise Gatti

Smart TVs are the future of home entertainment … but how safe is that future? The percentage of UK households that own a smart TV has leapt from 11% to 74% in less than ten years – and that proportion is only expected to increase further as more viewers discover the various benefits of these sophisticated systems

While the technology is impressive, fun and increasingly affordable, the flip side is that the number of people (especially young ones) who need to be aware of their risks has risen commensurately. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide outlines how to avoid some common smart TV hazards, so that you can relax a little when your children do.

Microtransaction Market

10th November 2023Louise Gatti

Seventy-six billion dollars. That’s the value some experts have assigned to this year’s global online – those additional in-app and in-game purchases which offer young players a temptingly quick way to enhance their digital experience for real-world money.

 

With concerns over the impact of allowing these paid-for upgrades to be available to children, some countries have already either banned microtransactions or subjected them to stringent legislation.

Are you ready for Freddy?

25th October 2023Louise Gatti

Are you ready for Freddy? To chime with Hallowe’en, this week sees the release of a cinematic adaptation of Five Night’s at Freddy’s (FNaF) – a suspenseful series of horror games which, despite their 12+ age rating, have gained significant popularity with younger children.

 

With one gaming journalist describing the franchise’s original entry as “hands down … the most terrifying game I have played in my life”, FNaF blends an unsettling atmosphere with jump scares and creepy characters. Read our #WakeUpWednesday guide to find out more … if you dare!