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FYI Play it Safe

FYI play it safe TO SCREEN AWARD-WINNING GLOBAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FILM IN SA

Connecting the Dots by award-winning director/producer Noemi Weis will be showing at The Labia Theatre Featuring young people from across the world, documentary film, Connecting the Dots, will be brought to South Africans virtually and on big screens by FYI play it safe, innovator of the parental app that is changing how parents keep their children safer online.  Directed by Noemi Weis, Connecting the Dots, which was released in 2020, has been screened at a host of international film festivals, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and viewers. First of its kind, Connecting the Dots offers a no-frills, authentic look at youth mental health around the world.  By exclusively showcasing the voices of young people, the film invites educators, parents, families, friends, communities and leaders into a safe space to listen to the lived experiences of this generation of teens and youth.  Weis, a mother and a grandmother, has made an esteemed film career focusing mainly on social issues important to women and children.  She says, “There is a youth mental health crisis around the globe. Suicide is the number one health-related cause of death for youth. Mental health is the health issue of this generation. There is an urgent call to action being heard globally asking for an elimination of the stigma and shame surrounding youth mental health struggles and demanding an increase in open dialogue and more accessible, relevant and timely support.” Cassey Chambers, Operations Manager at The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says, “There’s significant value in FYI play it safe screening Connecting the Dots for South African audiences.  As a nation, we too experience high levels of youth mental health challenges, which is surrounded still by stigma that stifles conversations and inhibits finding solutions.  Young people in South Africa who are facing challenges are under-served in their communities when it comes to mental health services.  It’s hard to open up and it’s hard to find the help you need. This is an important platform to invite conversation; to inspire us to listen to the voices of our South African youth and to find solutions for what is an increasing problem in our country, that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic over the past two years.” For FYI play it safe founder and CEO, Rachelle Best, who is also mother of a teen daughter, facilitating the first screenings of Connecting the Dots is personal.  She says, “Sadly, in 2021, we experienced a significant number of teenage suicides all around us in Cape Town. This happened over a short time and mostly in the same age group as my daughter. I realised that we, as parents, don’t talk enough about youth mental health and we certainly don’t talk to our children about it enough.  FYI play it safe is helping parents keep their children safer online by alerting parents if there is any online activity that can indicate depression, self-harm or suicidal ideation. When I first watched the film, I could feel it on my skin.  What stood out for me was a scene where a young girl said that she retreated into her room more, because the people who she chatted to online understood her better than the people around her. This was the moment I realised that every parent and every child in South Africa should see this film, and that FYI play it safe can help! We should be part of this global conversation. I got introduced to Noemi Weis, who is the director and producer of Connecting the Dots, and she shared the excitement of FYI play it safe bringing the film to South Africa.”  Best sees the upcoming screenings of Connecting the Dots in South Africa as an opportunity to improve teen mental health in the country.  “The documentary exposes us to the current global conversation about youth mental health. It creates a bigger awareness that firstly, for our tweens and teenagers, it is healthy to talk about mental health. It is also ‘okay to not be okay’. And it is wise to reach out for help. Secondly, it helps parents and teachers to understand that our tweens and teenagers are actually not okay. They need help and they need us to open up conversations about their mental health to make it easier. We are really hoping for every parent, educator and youth in South Africa to see this film, to raise their hands and to become part of the conversation.” FYI play it safe screenings of Connecting the Dots will take place at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on 22 February 2022 at 10:00 and 18:00.  Tickets cost R120 per person and are available through Webtickets now. The film is recommended for an audience of 12 years + Groups, schools and organisations can also book a bespoke screening of Connecting the Dots, virtually or at their own venues.  Contact admin@fyiplayitsafe.com for further information. In partnership with UNICEF, the film offers Facilitators Guides for different target groups to help them guide their screening. Plus a tool kit to help them promote their own screening. https://connectingthedotsfilm.com/resources

February 10, 2022
Syllabis Learning

Understanding Independent Learning

Independent learning is a method or learning process where learners have ownership and control of their learning – they learn by their own actions and direct, regulate, and assess their education. The independent learner can set goals, make choices, and decisions about how to meet his learning needs, take responsibility for constructing and carrying out his own learning, monitor his progress toward achieving his learning goals, and self-assess the learning outcomes. The concept of independent learning is associated with improving the educational experiences and outcomes for learners through student-centered learning approaches that personalize learning and enable the learner to take ownership of the learning process.  In other words, you need to be able to do your own research instead of expecting a teacher to give you all the background material you might need. What is the difference between homeschool and independent study? Independent learning curriculums like the curriculum provided by Syllabis Learning allow students to learn with little direct teaching and interaction from the parent. Most independent programs have a pre-set program and are meant to be mostly self-instructional.  To become a good independent learner you should be motivated, resilient, ready to overcome challenges, and good with time management. Why is independent learning important? The skills you gain with independent learning are transferrable and valuable to most jobs that you will perform. These include motivation, independence, initiative, time management, organization, multi-tasking, strong reading, and writing skills. Benefits of Independent Learning The child learns how to read (or listen) for understanding. This is a skill that takes practice, and it is important for standardized tests. When the child is answering questions based on what they have read, it is a way of holding them accountable. They will learn to concentrate as they read because they will know they are going to need to use the information for their homework. The child learns HOW TO LEARN. When a child has become accustomed to learning independently, they can pick up any book and learn the information in it. This means they can continue a lifestyle of learning throughout the rest of their life. They will never be dependent on someone else to teach them something. The child has greater freedom to determine their routine. When teachers or parents are not part of the equation for learning a particular subject, the child can schedule that subject any time in their day. This often helps with motivation and effort. The child learns about their learning style. When teachers or parents are in control of their entire day, they don’t have the opportunity to experiment with different environments, times of day, or methods of learning. By trying to learn on their own, they become more self-aware, discovering how they like to learn, how they learn best, and how they do not. The child is free to learn at a faster pace. If the child is capable of understanding something well and wants to keep going, he can. He is not held back by a teacher’s lesson planning or availability. The child learns perseverance and self-reliance. When a child struggles through to success, he has learned a very valuable lesson. Some things don’t come easily, but by not giving up, success is possible.  The child learns initiative.  The responsibility for learning is on the child. He needs to do everything he can to find the answers he needs before asking for help. This may mean going back and reviewing previous material, looking for answers to help solve the current problem or answer the current question. (This is a good habit and also helps with studying for tests.)  Independent learning prepares your child for university. University students are expected to take responsibility for their own work, grades, completion of assignments, etc. No university professor is going to hold their hand or even notice if they are struggling, most likely. The student is expected to do the work, find outside resources, and ask for help when they need it. If they are used to it being this way at home, then they won’t feel like they are in over their head in university. Here are some helpful self-learning techniques to make independent learning more effective. Find a good study space: Try to avoid things that might distract you. Put your phone in another room, switch off the TV, and sign out of social media. If possible, try to study away from areas where you eat or sleep. Set goals: A good way to keep your motivation up is to think about what you want to get out of your work and remind yourself next time you are flagging. Get into a good routine. A good routine can help you avoid that feeling of the whole day slipping away without getting any work done. Try to get started on work at the same time every day and include time for breaks and having fun. Read actively: You will need to be an active reader, paying close attention to the words you are reading and their meaning. Skim read: Speed read or skim material before reading it in detail and then summarising the text in your notes. Go solo: Practice working on your own for long periods without seeking the help of an adult. Effective time management: In work or unit studies, you are more than likely to have several pieces of work to juggle at any one time. Break each project down into the relevant tasks, work out how long you will need to spend on each part, then allocate time in your diary in order or priority. Take handwritten notes. Writing out notes by hand might help you to understand and remember the content better. Taking handwritten notes is especially powerful if you try to put things into your own words and do not just copy the language your teacher uses. It can also help to use diagrams to structure your thoughts. This might feel harder at the time, but it will create a stronger memory. Different sources: When doing research, try to draw from a variety of different sources. Be persistent: If a task is challenging, do not

February 3, 2022
FYI Play it Safe

Does your child use Telegram? Here’s what you should know

A lot of our children, especially teenagers, are jumping over to Telegram as their messaging app of choice. When their friends join another chat app, they know that they may be left out unless they use that app too. We tested using Telegram to explore what our teenagers will experience and to determine if there are any risks we should know about. We only needed 5 minutes to know that this app is not for children! Our experience was as follows: Firstly, we downloaded the app and registered our phone number Immediately, we got more than 15 messages from our contacts welcoming us to Telegram. When you’ve joined Telegram before, and someone in your contacts joins, Telegram notifies you about this. Needless to say, all the people reaching out made us feel very welcome. We started exploring the app and went to “Contacts”. Right at the top of this screen is a “find people nearby” button, which had us curious so we went there. After giving the app access to our location, we had 5 groups nearby which were very inappropriate for even older children. Examples of these include “Escort service”, “Horny H_’s”, “Bi couples exploring”… Do we even have to go further? Lastly, we clicked on the group that seemed the most above-board, and before we could send a message, the most explicit pornographic photo appeared. Less than 5 minutes… To conclude, a call to all parents – if your child is using Telegram, please make sure the setting for their location services is always off and that they cannot switch it on themselves. FYI play it safe is the only app that monitors all the content on Telegram that your child is exposed to. Go to www.fyiplayitsafe.com and start your 7-day free trial. 

January 24, 2022
FYI Play it Safe

Your child may be digitally colour-blind, and that’s normal

Most of us are aware of the fact that all people do not see colour in the same way.  Some individuals suffer from colour blindness, where the brain does not have the ability to see certain colours. If you ask people to tell you the number they see in the image below, the majority will respond by saying that it is clearly the number 15. However, people with red green colour blindness will tell you with absolute certainty that it is the number 17.  No matter how many times you tell them to look again, for them 17 is an absolute truth. In a similar manner, children can be seen as being “digitally colour-blind”.  They simply do not have the ability to detect danger in the digital world.  Some of this “digital colour-blindness” can be attributed to brain development.  The frontal cortex, the area of the brain that assists with reasoning and helps us to think before we act, only develops later in life.  This, combined with the fact that children may not yet have sufficient experience to identify and respond effectively to danger, puts every child at risk in the digital age. Even if you try to teach your children and they a) try their best to please you by listening to you and follow your advice (read younger child), or b) try their best to prove you wrong (read teenager), they most likely will not be able to see the digital red warning light even if it is right in front of them. To make things worse, many parents are not digitally educated enough to know about these dangers and to look out for them on behalf of their children.  Digital predators are aware of this… Which leaves us, as parents, with the question: “What can we do about this?” As a start, parents need to be aware of the risks that the digital world poses to their children.  They need to be aware of the applications their children have access to and how it is being used.  At the same time, it is critical that we educate our children about these risks, but knowing that education alone will not be enough to protect our children while they are still in the process of developing the skills to detect “digital red.”   It is during this critical time that not only you, but also your child needs FYI play it safe. FYI play it safe monitors your child’s online interactions and activities and will let you know when there are any red flags that you have to be aware of. It monitors for signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, when they talk to potential online predators, or when they engage in adult content.  The simple fact is this, the digital world will be an essential part of our children’s lives in future.  If we choose to allow them to be online, we should guard them and make the journey safer for them. With FYI play it safe, you have that extra layer of safety.  Sign-up for your FREE 7-day trial now by going to www.fyiplayitsafe.com and downloading the app to your child’s phone. It takes less than 10 minutes to set up, with easy steps.  Authors: Hester Burger, Rachelle Best

January 6, 2022
FYI Play it Safe

Choosing the best app for your child’s online safety

To determine how parents protect their children online,  FYI play it safe recently conducted a digital survey, and found that although 99.7% of parents worry about the risks that online communication and social media pose to their children, 25% give their child a device without setting up any type of controls. A further 35% set screen time limits and control which apps their children can download.  Alarmingly, only 3 out of 10 parents do the setup of their children’s devices and use the content filtering options to ensure their children are not exposed to inappropriate content. We also found that, although parents are worried about their children’s use of smartphones, parents were not sure what to do about this and how to find the right solution. FYI play it safe was found by a concerned parent to help other concerned parents. We know that, while we do everything to try and protect our children, there is no fail-proof method or app. We have to make sure that, should our children be exposed to any harmful situation, we will know about it. We need a tool that will protect our children, but at the same time respect their privacy. These are the reasons every parent should choose FYI play it safe as their app of choice. It is not spyware The basis of FYI play it safe is “protect them, but respect them”. Parents will not see all the content on their children’s devices, but rather only be alerted when their child is exposed to a potentially harmful situation such as signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, when they talk to strangers or predators, or if they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or any form of drugs. FYI play it safe monitors the actual contents of your child’s online activity and as soon as there is anything to be concerned about, it will alert you so you have a fair chance to intervene and to have a conversation with your child about the situation. Only you can see the alerts and rest assured that no one else has access to it. FYI play it safe monitors ALL apps Yes, that’s true! Every single app your child uses. Whether your child is doing a google search, chatting with his online gaming friends in a chat room, or using social media. As a parent, you don’t have to read through thousands of messages to determine if they are in danger. FYI play it safe does that for you.  FYI play it safe distinguishes between priority and blacklisted apps The app distinguishes between priority applications, which are monitored more closely, and “blacklisted” applications which pose an even bigger risk to children. The first category includes the use of chat apps, social media accounts, or internet browsers, where FYI play it safe zooms into the details of what is being said and commented on. In the second category, we believe that parents should know when their children engage with the app, regardless of the content. Typical examples of these are where children use anonymous chat apps, talking to strangers, or apps that can expose them to adult- and other inappropriate content. FYI play it safe understands your child’s slang We know that tweens and teenagers use their own language and parents don’t always understand the meaning of the words and phrases they use. FYI play it safe uses artificial intelligence, which is continuously updated with the latest teenage slang.  FYI play it safe doesn’t need the user IDs and passwords of your child’s online accounts There are so many apps that our children use and even within apps, some of them have more than one account. Because of the smart technology that FYI play it safe is built on, we capture whatever your child engages with on the device’s screen. We don’t need any user IDs and passwords to monitor their activity. That means that, if they create a new account, it is monitored by default. FYI play it safe monitors even deleted, disappearing, or self-destructing messages A lot of apps have the ability to have messages self-destruct or disappear. While this is an advantage in some cases, such as when you make a mistake and want to “unsend” a message, this also poses a great risk. We can no longer rely on what we see, because we won’t have access to the other messages which disappeared.    Thankfully, FYI play it safe monitors content as it happens, so before a message can disappear or be deleted, it would’ve been analysed already! FYI play it safe is easy to set up FYI play it safe takes less than 10 minutes to set up, with easy steps. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial. Step-by-step instructions and video recordings are available to guide you through the process. In conclusion, FYI play it safe is the app every parent needs. It’s the app that will alert you if something is going on in your child’s online world that you have to talk about. Be a cyber-smart parent!

December 20, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

The ecosystem to ensure your child’s online safety

Comparing our own learning to ride a bike, with teaching our children to be safer online is difficult. Growing up, our parents taught us what to look out for when we first got onto our bikes. Their parents taught them. Our parents may not have even known about smartphones when we were born  As parents though, we did not grow up in the same online world that our children now need to navigate. We need to consider the online road they travel on, the type of device they drive, how your child is equipped to deal with potential danger, and the type of protection we need to offer.  Keeping our children safer on the road means that we teach them the rules of the road, which signs to follow and we make sure they are wearing their protective gear, most importantly, their helmet. Fortunately, with online safety, we also have an ecosystem that we can use to keep our children safer online. We are all in this together! Working together… On one side of the ecosystem, there are different people who play a role. The most important of these are us, as parents, our relationship with our children, and the open conversations we have with them. If something goes wrong online, our children should know that we are their first safety net.  Equally important are the teachers at our children’s schools. They spend time with our children and have up-to-date knowledge, especially in the way our children experience the online world, how they interact with each other, and the latest trends. We are very fortunate that we also have access to cyber-wellness experts, who publish valuable cyber-safety materials and present courses and talks on anything cyber. We also have a regime of legal experts who specialise in ICT (Information, Communication, and Technology) regulation and legislation. We can count on their support if we ever get into a situation where legal representation or advice is needed.  …while making good use of technology On the other side of the ecosystem, we have hardware and software that can help us keep our children safer online. Our wifi routers in our homes can be configured, to only allow wifi access to specific devices, at specified hours and can also filter out inappropriate content such as pornography. Additionally, there is a wide variety of apps available that can help you to set screentime limits, age restrictions and content filtering on your child’s device. Most devices (whether Android- or Apple-based) have some of these settings built-in, but you can also use free, easy-to-set-up apps such as Google family link to enable this. FYI play it safe – at the center We all know technology changes extremely fast, and we also know our tweens and teenagers are smart… That’s why, at the center of the ecosystem, FYI play it safe adds the ultimate comfort to parents.  FYI play it safe monitors the actual contents of every single app your child uses. Whether your child is doing a google search, chatting with his online gaming friends in a chat room, or using social media. As a parent, you don’t have to read through thousands of messages to really know what’s going on. FYI play it safe does that for you and will alert you if your child is exposed to a potentially harmful situation. Monitoring includes signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, when they talk to strangers or predators, or if they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or any form of drugs. Be the cyber-smart parent. FYI play it safe is the one app no parent should be without. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

December 13, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

Technology is fast-moving, is your child protected?

In the season of giving, our children can’t wait to open their beautifully wrapped Christmas presents. They look at every shape under the tree and play guessing games about the contents. When we wrap our children’s gifts, it takes careful planning.  Buying a remote-controlled car? We include the batteries.  Got them the roller-skates? We make sure to add the elbow and knee guards.  Wrapping the bicycle? We definitely include the safety gear, and especially the helmet. If this is their first bicycle, we may even add the training wheels to ensure that their first experience is good. This year, as the years before, many of our children will be unwrapping a smartphone or a tablet. We want them to participate in and experience the digital world, but how will we adequately prepare them for this new online journey? In the same way we would’ve done if we had to teach them to ride their new bicycle? Comparing our own learning to ride a bike with teaching our children to be safer online is difficult. Growing up, our parents taught us what to look out for when we first got onto our bikes. Their parents taught them. Generations of advice being passed down. As parents though, we did not grow up in the same online world that our children need to navigate. Our parents may not have even known about smartphones when we were born. We need to consider the online road they are traveling on, the type of device they are driving, how your child is equipped to deal with potential danger, and the type of protection we need to offer.  The online road they’re traveling on Different roads have different rules. Our children know that, when they ride their bicycle in the park, they have to look out for pedestrians and perhaps some smaller children crossing their path unexpectedly. In contrast, when they’re riding their bike to school, they have to be more aware of traffic and follow all the road signs, be aware of traffic lights and obey the rules. They also know that not following these rules has consequences and that they can get badly hurt.  When they’re traveling on their digital road, they have to understand the “look left, look right, look left again” basics, but they also have to know that different apps have different rules. When chatting in an online game’s chatroom, they should apply the same rules as a simple chat app like WhatsApp: don’t give out personal information, don’t talk to strangers. But using apps like Snapchat or Tik Tok where photos or videos are exchanged, they will be expected to follow a different rulebook.  The device they are driving With their first bicycle, we would check that the training wheels are screwed on tight and that the brakes of the bike work, right?  Whether they are using a child-friendly phone that was manufactured with online safety in mind, an Apple or an Android-based device (such as Samsung or Huawei), the starting point is always to ensure that the device-specific settings are set in the most protective way. This can include screen time management, some parental controls, and content filters.  Our children are in the driving seat We spend hours teaching our children how to ride their bikes. Holding on to the bicycle at first, then only to the seat and eventually giving them the freedom to go at it alone.  In cyberspace, we are going on a road trip, but sometimes we won’t be sitting next to them.  Fact is, with your child in the driver’s seat of his or her phone, we have to ensure that they can go some distances on their own. Talk openly to them about what they see, how they experience their online worlds, and how to dodge the potholes on the way.  Have fun online, but play it safe Keeping them safer in this world means reinventing the way we educate them about cyber safety and, even then, monitoring what they are exposed to, but in a way that also protects their privacy.  As parents, we have to use the full ecosystem of protection. Education from parents and teachers and online resources from experts in cyber safety can go a long way. Making sure that the correct screen time and parental controls are applied is an essential layer and the free solutions are as good as some of the paid versions – give it a try. So when equipping them with their arm and knee guards, ensure they always wear their cyber safety helmet – FYI play it safe. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complementary layer of added security where parents are kept informed of potentially harmful situations like cyberbullying, talking to strangers/predators, depression, self-harm, suicide, or when they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or anything drug-related.  Cyber-smart parenting is about watching them mountain biking on a single-track downhill at a ridiculous speed, but with the certainty that they are protected and are less likely to get hurt if they fall. It is about building better relationships with our children, where we have the information to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post, and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. Safety, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or in cyberspace isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.

December 1, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

You thought playing an interactive online game was safe? Think again

FYI play it safe often gets messages from parents. Some of these are really shocking and others educational for all of us. As we are in this digital parenting world together, we wanted to share a story that should be a question to all of us – do we really know what’s happening in the apps our children are using? Are the apps that we think innocent, really in the clear? “My daughter was 12-years old and started getting WhatsApp messages from a complete stranger. The worst part of this was that he knew her name and her age. It dawned on me that he knew which school she attended and who her friends were. I was so relieved when she had the courage and felt she could reach out to me when she received the first explicit message he sent to her.  From what we could gather, he was in his early 20s. She showed me the message and immediately blocked him,” the concerned mother wrote to us. “At that time she was obviously scared and said that she didn’t know him, and that he appeared out of nowhere. What my motherly investigation, through some relaxed conversations over a couple of days showed, was different. My daughter and I started playing a word spelling online game. I thought this was an amazing way to expand her vocabulary and as you didn’t have to complete a game within a specific timeframe, which makes it easy to keep a continuous game going,” she continues.   “What transpired was that, while waiting for me to play, she was matched with a random stranger for a game of scrabble and he started chatting to her in the game chat. I never realized that such an innocent game would be used for grooming. Over a period of time she eventually gave him her name, her WhatsApp number and some other personal information. I was shocked…”  Another lesson learnt. The fact is that predators are lurking everywhere. Even in apps that may seem innocent. Setting up parental controls and age restrictions on our children’s devices are not enough.  Fortunately, this mom now has installed FYI play it safe on her child’s device and has the comfort that, from this point forward, the text in all her child’s apps will be monitored. The innocent and the seemingly innocent apps.  FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather an app that gives you the information of what is really going on in your children’s digital lives. It sends parents alerts when their children are exposed to or show signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or when they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or drugs. FYI play it safe is the one app no parent should be without. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

November 22, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

Shocking anonymous match-making in apps used by teenagers

We all know technology changes rapidly and apps are launched every single day. We also know that many of these apps are targeted at our tweens and teenagers, and even those not aimed at them are not always adequately protected to limit our children’s exposure to these apps. Do we fully understand and realise the full consequence of this and what can we do to support our children? Founder and CEO of FYI play it safe, Rachelle Best, put it to the test: “When we launched FYI play it safe, the app that alerts parents when their children are potentially exposed to harmful situations, I personally tested many of the popular apps. As I have a teenage daughter, I wanted to see what she would be exposed to and what her experience would be like  when using these apps. I was absolutely horrified by what I found access to and the content I was exposed to.”  My testing included a number of the anonymous chat apps and websites, such as Omegle and Anonymous Chat for two. Even though these apps accommodate younger users, time and time again, I was matched with a stranger aged between 18 and 23. A mix of male and female – even though we have no way of knowing whether the personal details of the other person were true. The average conversation went something like this: [Anonymous] male or female?  Female [FYI] [Anonymous] age 14 [FYI] [Anonymous] what you up to? I’m in class [FYI] [Anonymous] want to have some fun Yes, sure, what type of fun? [FYI] 5th message – the stranger either started with very explicit sexting or tried to jump to another platform like Snapchat or KIK to exchange pictures. Even worse, some of them recommended we continue our chat on “lamourly.fun” – a very explicit pornography site.  On average, it took 5 messages in about 30 seconds. This is just the pornography risk that anyone who engages on anonymous chat apps (including our children) gets exposed to. In addition, apps that we use every day launch new features to help them stay relevant and compete with other apps.  Whether it is self-destructing messages or a place where you can hide your “private” information. Our children are typically the first to know about these changes, which they then test and use.  Changes to apps or launching new apps aren’t all bad and it enhances our mobile experience, but it makes parenting in the digital world really tough. For parents to keep up with all the new apps our children use and changes to the apps we have already “approved” for their use can be a full time job!  The good news is that, because of the technology FYI play it safe uses, we will know when a new app is launched and we monitor it by default. Also, before a message self-destructs, we would have captured and analysed it already. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather an app that gives you insight into what is really going on in your children’s digital lives. It sends parents alerts when their children are exposed to or show signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or when they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or drugs. FYI play it safe is the one app no parent should be without. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

November 9, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

Good news for concerned parents using iPhones – FYI play it safe now available in web browser

FYI play it safe, the app that alerts parents when their children are in potential online danger can now also be used by parents with iPhones.  “In our first release of FYI play it safe, we had the ability to provide the application only to Android-families. We have received many requests from parents who use iPhones to develop a version that can be accessed from their devices. We are excited to announce the release of FYI safe web, making the monitoring of children’s activities available to parents from any web browser on any device. This means that parents with iPhones or iPads will now also benefit from the protection of FYI play it safe for their children,” said Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe.  “Although we are continuously updating the words, phrases and emojis we include in our monitoring mechanisms, this release also includes a significant expansion in any drug-related activity, which we believe strengthens the level of comfort FYI play it safe gives to our parents,” continued Best. Privacy remains a top priority and the relevant measures have been put in place and are continuously strengthened for both parents and their children who subscribe to the app. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complementary layer of added security for parents of children between the ages of 8 and 16.   “While tweens and teenagers are focused on having fun and meeting new friends online, parents need to balance the tension between respecting their children’s privacy and navigating the risks presented by social media platforms, gaming, anonymous chat rooms and search engine content.” concluded Best.  Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

October 22, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

Your child needs a Cyber Safety Helmet

Whether our children are into cycling, motorcycling, BMX, Skateboarding, Motocross or roller-skating, it is only a matter of time before accidents happen. One of my adrenaline-junkie friends always says there are two types of riders: those who have had their first accident; and those who are going to have their first accident. This analogy can be applied to  our children’s online and offline  activities.  When you buy your child his or her first bicycle, or pair of roller-skates it typically goes hand-in-hand with a helmet to keep them safe in case they fall. Through trying out and playing different types of sports, we equip them with the right gear to ensure they play it safe.  Navigating their digital journeys, online interactions or the way they search for information on their mobile devices are not dissimilar. With smartphones being such an integral part of our future and the careers they will eventually choose, we don’t want to deprive them from participating in the digital world, but we want to ensure they play it safe.  …but definitely not my child As parents, we sometimes get stuck thinking about our children as the innocent toddlers and kids they were. We picture them unwrapping their first bicycle with the safety wheels still on, wanting to put their helmets on the right way. Still knowing that they need protection and not giving any attention to whether this look is cool enough, which becomes the  main concern in their teenage years.  The harder reality that we are faced with, is that even when we think they are ‘innocence impersonated’, they are subjected to an amount of peer-pressure and participating in an online world that we cannot fully comprehend. They are exposed to an environment where they are constantly inundated with new apps, new online friends (who they have or have not met), new information and a new way of balancing their digital activity and reality.  Keeping them safer in this world means reinventing the way we educate them about cyber safety and, even then, monitoring what they are exposed to, but in a way that also protects their privacy. It’s about giving them the phone, but adding the cyber safety helmet. Protecting their young minds Most tweens and teenagers go through a phase of getting stuck in their minds rather than talk about everything. When they encounter events that bother them, whether in person or online, their first port of call may not be their parents. They fear that when they speak up about difficult situations and their parents try to intervene (or interfere), that the situation will get worse.  This could happen when they are being bullied or cyberbullied or when they have seen content that their minds can’t really deal with at that age. They may also encounter content such as pornography or sexting that cause them to feel guilt and shame, but remaining curious to engage even more. When these events happen, they need our help more than ever. They need advice from parents or caregivers to guide them on this journey. But for parents, not knowing when or how this happens means that we can’t protect their minds or their thoughts and unless they talk to us about it, we seldom have any way of knowing. Some parents keep a close eye on all the devices in the home, but with all our time constraints, it is so easy to miss something small that could lead to a bigger issue. However, wearing their cyber safety helmet when they participate in the digital world, the state of the art algorithms of FYI play it safe empower parents with this information. Whether their thoughts are about the bullying situation, or when they consider searching for information about self-harm or suicide, their cyber safety helmet will protect them and alert you to intervene and guide them to safety.  Playing it safe with FYI play it safe Smart parenting is about watching them skateboard through the streets and knowing that they have the equipment to safely lean into the next corner. It’s watching them mountain biking on a single-track downhill at a ridiculous speed, but with the certainty that they are protected and are less likely to get hurt if they fall. It is about building better relationships with our children, where we have the information to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. Safety, whether physical, emotional, psychological or in cyberspace isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.

October 6, 2021
Parenting Hub

Yoto lands in South Africa Retailers

Yoto, an audio platform developed specifically for kids and the brand behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning Yoto Player, has landed in South Africa. The Yoto Player, a carefully connected screen-free, Bluetooth speaker box provides safe, educational entertainment for children and is now available across the country at selected Toys R Us stores, iStores and a branded store on Takealot, South Africa’s leading online store.  Yoto Player is designed to safely give children full control over their listening experience, by entertaining and educating them while reducing screen-time. Yoto Player is controlled using physical cards that are inserted into the Player which plays audio content – helping to reduce excessive screen-time, giving children access to entertaining content without removing the joy of using technology for fun, learning and imaginative play.  The Yoto smartphone app gives parents easy control of settings and content management. The free-to-download app also contains a selection of free content available to all and allows families to link the audio to Bluetooth speakers, including in the car for on-the-go entertainment. Additionally, Yoto’s content cards have the ability to play content through the app by simply tapping the card to the back of a smartphone.  “We landed in the United States in June last year, and now our breakthrough into other regions and markets will further enable Yoto to globally service and inspire the next generation of creative, independent minds through audio,” said Ben Drury, CEO and co-founder of Yoto. “Every day we are inspired by children from all around the world, and with Yoto we are able to provide parents with peace of mind and children with access to a world of curated audio content.”  Yoto Player is available for purchase at a recommended retail price of R2499. The Yoto smartphone app is available to download for free on iOS or Android.  About Yoto Born in the U.K., Yoto is an audio platform that introduces children to a world of stories, music, educational activities, sound effects, podcasts and radio. Founders Ben Drury and Filip Denker were inspired by Montessori principles to create a screen-free audio device that kids could safely control themselves; they called it Yoto Player. And in a bid to offer audio that will inspire the next generation of independent creative minds, Yoto is investing in content that promotes mindfulness, meditation, and sleep among children.  Since launching the new Yoto Player in early 2020, Yoto has experienced explosive growth, securing partnerships and content deals with trusted household names such as LEGO and Disney as well as licenses with Penguin Random House, Abbey Road Studios, Sony Music, HarperCollins, Hachette, Pan Macmillan and more. Yoto’s extensive and ever-expanding content library is packed with some of the world’s greatest children’s content including The Magic Far Away Tree (Trilogy), The Gruffalo, The Wishing Chair (Trilogy), with Frozen, Finding Nemo and many more household names to be released in the coming months.  Now available worldwide, Yoto has been shortlisted for several awards including Design Week, ISDA IDEA, Core 77, Fast Co., D&AD, Dezeen, Junior Design, and Mother & Baby while being included in several Top Product lists. In November 2020, Yoto Player was named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020.

September 9, 2021
Parenting Hub

Early learning brand PlayShifu makes foray into South Africa

Tech toys loved by children, educators, and parents in over 35 countries will now be available in iStore, Takealot, and ToysRUs PlayShifu, an award-winning early learning brand, announced its launch in South Africa through the distributor Core Group. The brand’s innovative educational tech toys cover a wide range of essential skills, STEM, STEAM, and beyond, a solution that every parent of Gen Alpha child is looking for.  Founded in 2016 by two doting fathers on a mission to turn around unhealthy screen time into meaningful time, PlayShifu currently sells in more than 35 markets across the world. PlayShifu toys have been designed to provide innovative, phygital interactions that combine hands-on physical play with fun and interactive digital games. The brand has 12 unique offerings on three product lines – Orboot, Plugo, and Tacto.  Orboot by PlayShifu  Orboot is a series of first-ever AR educational globes, Earth, Dinos and Mars, encourages children to learn through thousands of facts and hours of game-based exploration.  Orboot Earth lets children travel through every nook and corner of our planet and learn scores of facts about wildlife, cultures, cuisines, monuments, maps, and much more. Orboot Dinos brings alive dinosaurs in 3D. Children can learn about evolutionary traits, explore habitats, and see what their favourite dinosaurs looked like up close. Orboot Mars inspires children to discover the Red Planet through the Mars missions that have brought in-depth knowledge of our neighbouring planet.  Plugo by PlayShifu  Plugo is a STEM gaming system powered by AR. It consists of one Gamepad and four interchangeable gaming kits that work with one companion app. Plugo makes learning fun and engaging for children, whether mathematics, vocabulary, problem-solving or logical reasoning.  The Plugo universe comprises Letters (word building kit), Count (hands-on math kit), Link (building blocks kit), and Tunes (music learning kit). Each kit comes with multiple games with hundreds of levels in the app that adapt to the child’s grade.  Tacto by PlayShifu  Tacto is the first-ever phygital board game platform that uses tablets, innovative touch technology, and AI to reimagine board games. Tacto uses real figurines to drive the games on screen and adds immense richness, variety, and storytelling to the experience. Tacto has 6 different game sets – Classics, Chess, Coding, Laser, Electronics, and Dinos. The experience unlocks a world of foundational skills for early learners like strategic thinking, reasoning, analytical thinking and more.  PlayShifu products start at R899 and can be purchased from, iStore, Takealot, and Toys’R’Us. Designed for ages 4 to 12, all the product platforms are supported by free to download apps that work with a range of devices on iOS and Android. 

September 1, 2021
Parenting Hub

Go on… make the Switch!

If you are anything like me, you like when a product works seamlessly from one device to another. And while this may be a small feature, it really can make life a little easier.  Imagine a life where you can ask your child to immediately disconnect their console from the TV because your favourite show is starting and there are no ooohhhsss or ahhhhh’s because he can continue playing? This is what makes the Nintendo Switch an easy Switch to make.  One of the core features of the Nintendo Switch is being able to continue playing no matter what!  Your child will be able to switch from the TV and then comfortably to the hand-held console, even to splitting the console up and playing with a friend. Yup that’s right… the Joy-Con (controller) can be split so that friends can play too. By turning your Joy-Con into two units, either party is able to play with either side or with motion control games, one is able to use the Joy-Con much like a Wii remote.  However, if you want to purchase another Joy-Con you certainly can. We found a large variety are available in the Nintendo Online Store which makes the experience even more personal.  So how many ways can you play? The Nintendo Switch is a “hybrid” console that can be used at home on a TV, and also as a portable console.  #1 TV Mode Your gaming experience can start on your television when connected via an HDMI cable. The unique configuration allows the Nintendo Switch to adopt a number of different forms. From either splitting the controller up into two separate Joy-Cons for multi-player games or keep it connected to the grip and play alone.  #2 Tabletop Mode With the Nintendo Switch built-in LCD screen one is able to either play hand held or you can detach the Joy-Con Controllers, open the stand at the back of the screen and place it on a flat surface. Perfect for when you do not have a television available.  #3 Handheld Mode Easily reattach the Joy-Cons to the unit and play hand held and when you are done simply place the Nintendo Switch in the docking unit to charge…. It has never been easier. The Joy-Con controllers snap to the sides of the tablet making the device a hand-held unit. Accessories and Games? With accessories galore from themed Joy-Cons, cases, HORIPAD and Racing Wheels, you can make your gaming experience everything you ever hoped it would be.  With the Nintendo e-Shop, one is able to purchase multiplayer games as well as Free-to-start Games. With all your favourites available in their online store, you could be bouncing around with Super Mario or taking on a Pokemon in no time!  Online Membership starts at R52 per month and there is a family membership available for up to 8 members at R459 for 12 months. This ensures that all your gaming data is safely stored to the cloud so that all those achievements unlocked are never lost. The Nintendo Switch can be connected online for a greater Nintendo Experience or download the Mobile App. The Nintendo Switch Online App is designed to enhance your online gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch.  You can view your stats, or chat to friends while racing through the streets in your game.  The App is available in both the Google Play and Apple App Stores.  Cool Features: The unit is easy to transport and with a longer life battery of between 3 and 4 hours, your child will be entertained during load shedding or even a long car trip. Can’t find your Joy-Con? No problem, activate the search for controller feature and you will locate them in no time.  The Nintendo Switch is a touch screen. Adjust the menu to dark mode… easier on the eyes for sure! See how long a player has played for. We all had so much fun playing Super Paper Mario, thank you Nintendo for helping us make the switch! This unit is certainly one of the more affordable gaming consoles at a retail price of R7999. You can purchase online at the Nintendo Online Store or at participating retailers.  Included in the box: 2x Joy-Cons (left and right) with built-in rechargeable battery  Nintendo Switch console  Nintendo Switch AC adapter  Nintendo Switch dock A Joy-Con grip  Joy-Con strap  High speed HDMI cable  Hand held remote Paper Mario- The Origami king Nintendo’s Paper Mario – The Origami King – is a fun game for individuals aged seven and above. The game centres around Mario and his new friend Olivia.  They are tasked with stopping Olivia’s brother, Olly, who is the Origami King. Olly has folded Princess Peach and many other characters into origami shapes.  The only exception is the toads, which Mario and Olivia save throughout the game. The main objective of Mario and Olivia is to remove various coloured streamers that enclose Princess Peach’s Castle and which will lead them to Olly.  Each streamer level provides a fun new task for the player to go through.  As they go through each level, they are able to unlock Vellumentals, which are a group of god-like creatures found in their own Vellumental Shrines and Temples. To gain the ability to use Vellumentals, players need to defeat each of them throughout the game on each different streamer level.  A Bibliofold will eventually be revealed to the player.  This contains instructions for Olivia on origami folding. This will allow Olivia to Transform into a Vellumental through the corresponding magic circle.  The magic circle will allow Mario to also use the elemental powers during a Boss battle and even waive battles where the enemy has a magic circle above its head.  As well as collecting toads through the game, Mario and Olivia also collect confetti.  They are tasked with repairing the broken world by using the confetti that they collect throughout the game.  Once each streamer level is complete the confetti intake of the bag will increase. The increase

August 27, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

The app that alerts parents of harmful online interactions gets an upgrade

FYI play it safe has announced an update to their app, which alerts parents about their children’s online conversations and searches when the app detects potentially harmful events. These events include potential signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicide or when children engage in adult content. South African based, FYI play it safe empowers parents with valuable detailed information, which enables them to reach out to their children and speak about the danger they might be in. Additionally, parents are presented with an overview of their child’s online activities.  “In the latest release of FYI play it safe, we have the ability to update our monitoring software within minutes of any new apps being released, which may attract the attention of our tweens and teenagers,” said Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe. “In this release, we now distinguish between priority applications, which we monitor more closely and “blacklisted” applications we believe pose an even bigger risk to children. The first category includes the use of chat apps, social media accounts or internet browsers, where we will zoom into the details of what is being said and commented on. In the second category, we believe that parents should know when their children engage with the app, regardless of the content. Typical examples of these are where children use anonymous chat apps, talking to strangers or apps which can expose them to adult and inappropriate content,” continued Best. Privacy is top priority and the relevant measures have been put in place for both parents and their children who subscribe to the app. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complimentary layer of added security for parents of children between the ages of 8 and 16.  “While tweens and teenagers are focused on having fun and meeting new friends online, parents need to balance the tension between respecting their children’s privacy and navigating the risks presented by social media platforms, gaming and anonymous chat rooms plus search engine content.” concluded Best.  Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process.

August 10, 2021
Parenting Hub

TikTok, Roblox and game videos: What kids were looking for in 2020-2021

 A new Kaspersky Safe Kids study has revealed what children were interested in during 2020 – 2021. Over the past year, their interest has grown in the categories of ‘software, audio and video’ and ‘e-commerce’, while ‘Internet communication media’ and ‘computer games’ have slightly decreased. TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp are at the top of the most popular applications. At the same time, TikTok overtook Instagram with almost double the level of popularity. 2020 turned out to be one of the most unusual years for modern children. The pandemic has changed many common life situations across the globe, including education, meeting friends and family, recreation, and entertainment. Kaspersky analysed anonymised data, such as search queries, the most popular Android applications and website categories requested voluntarily provided by Kaspersky Safe Kids users, to explore how the interests and needs of children have changed under the new conditions. The most popular website categories among children in South Africa were ‘software, audio, video’ (52%), ‘Internet communication media’ (14%) and ‘computer games’ (9%). Among the most popular apps, YouTube leads by a wide margin – the service remains the most popular video streaming service among children around the world. In second place is the messenger WhatsApp, and third is the popular social network TikTok. The top list also includes games, such as Brawl Stars, Roblox, Among US and Minecraft. Children globally are very active in listening to and watching music videos on YouTube – its share is 17.35% in searches for music genres and videos. A number of ‘trend’ videos were also visible in the statistics – ‘pop it and simple dimple’ and ‘ASMR’ account for 4.43% of the queries. This year, requests related to the video game maker Gacha Life also stood out in the top ratings of children from all over the world with a share of 4%.  When it comes to music tastes, alongside traditional leaders like K-POP bands BTS and BLACKPINK, singers Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Travis Scott, another musical genre, like ‘phonk’ became popular. There is also a trend towards ‘creative’ videos – more and more requests for beats, samples and lessons on creating music in various programmes began to appear at the top of the list. At the same time, TikTok remains the main musical trendsetter for children. Cartoons account for half (50.21%) of all video searches by children around the world. The most popular ones are Lady Bug and Super Cat, Gravity Falls and Peppa Pig. In second place were various TV shows – the most frequent search in English was The Voice Kids. In movies and TV series, the most popular trailers were Godzilla vs Kong, Zach Snyder’s recent Justice League and the Disney+ mini-series WandaVision. Netflix also continues to attract the attention of more kids – the most frequent requests via the platform were for Cobra Kai and the now iconic Stranger Things. TikTok remains the undisputed leader among children, but at the same time, the perception of the social network has begun to transform. Now it is no longer only a social network for clips and lip syncs, as more educational and creative content has begun to appear on the platform. At the same time, to create TikTok videos, one person has to do the work of the operator, actor, director, and the entire film crew. All this develops skills that can not only be useful for children in the future, but could lead them to choosing it as a profession. For video games, those trending the most with children globally include Minecraft (22.84%), Fortnite (6.73%), Among Us (3.80%), Brawl Stars (6.34%) – which recently captured the attention of children and is very popular – and the much-loved Roblox game (3.82%). At the same time, the most frequently played game in the top 10 for almost all countries is Roblox. Of all the regions, it was children from Kazakhstan who became leaders in visiting sites devoted to computer games – 26.01%. In second place were children from the UK (19.40%). But we see a very different picture in India, where children hardly ever visited sites dedicated to video games from a PC (just 5.08%). “Modern children grow up with gadgets in their hands from a very young age, so they adapt to the digital space and master new technologies much faster. We see how TikTok has become one of the main trendsetters among children in a short time and continues to keep their attention. At the same time, YouTube hasn’t lost ground and remains the leader in popularity among children, in part due to the huge variety of videos, ranging from ‘let-plays’, documenting the playthrough of a video game, to educational lectures and clips. Understanding and analysing the interests of children on the Internet helps us to pay attention to the issue of safety. By knowing what kind of music a child listens to, who their favourite bloggers are or what games they play, parents can strengthen their trusted relations with kids. For instance, they could film a TikTok video together. This will also let parents help their kids to protect themselves from potential hazards online,” comments Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky. To ensure children have a positive online experience, Kaspersky recommends that parents: Learn more about your children’s interests. Surf and learn together. See where children spend their time online and explore how to best keep them safe. Explain that sensitive information should only be shared via messengers and only with people they know in real life. Consider downloading parental control apps and discuss this topic with your child to explain how such apps work and why they need them to stay safe online. Spend more time communicating with children about online safety measures. Tell your children what must not, under any circumstances, be published on the Internet and why.

July 9, 2021
Nintendo

MARIO GOLF: SUPER RUSH TEES OFF ON NINTENDO SWITCH!

Join your favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters on the fairway for a super speedy round of golf. With Mario Golf: Super Rush, the Mario Golf series makes its return in its speediest instalment yet. Players can join a variety of Mushroom Kingdom characters in different multiplayer modes or start your own Golf Adventure now that the game is available on the Nintendo Switch.  Watch the latest trailer here:  Simple button controls make it easy for new players and seasoned pros alike to get their game on. It’s as simple as taking aim, choosing the shot strength and sending the ball flying. Players can curve their shot to avoid hazards and put spin on the ball to affect how it rolls after landing. Several features are on hand to help players conquer the course, including a shot gauge that adapts to the angle of the slope and a scan that lets you read the terrain. Additionally, it’s possible to use motion controls by holding a Joy-Con controller like a golf club*. Players can choose from a cast of 16 Mushroom Kingdom characters, each featuring different strengths and equipped with their own unique special moves. Pauline, Chargin’ Chuck, and King Bob-omb will make their first appearance in the series. Players can hit the fairway with up to three others, both locally and online**, in a variety of modes. With a selection of six lavish courses to choose from, including standard courses and courses with special hazards, every round of golf is different and there is still more to come from the Mushroom Kingdom-infused golf game. Free updates to the game that include additional courses and playable characters will be released in the future. Modes range from Standard Golf to the energetic Speed Golf, Battle Golf – a more frantic variation of Speed Golf – and an RPG-like story mode in Golf Adventure. In Golf Adventure, players can enrol their Mii character in golf training at a prestigious country club and go all the way from rookie to pro. They’ll be able to interact with familiar Mushroom Kingdom characters, learn how to play and take on a variety of challenges. Players can even bring their Mii character – and their customised stats – into other modes, too. Mario Golf: Super Rush is now available only on Nintendo Switch. Swing over to store.nintendo.co.za and take advantage of their Star Bundle offering, where you can build your own unique Nintendo Switch bundle including Mario Golf: Super Rush and get a free carry case and Nintendo Labo Kit with your purchase. * Motion controls cannot be used during Golf Adventure. ** Internet connection required. To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Some online services may not be available in all countries. Online play requires paid online membership. Find out more about the paid membership service.

June 28, 2021
Nintendo

It’s all about control

As parents, we all want to protect our children. The question for many parents is how you can monitor what games your children are playing in order to avoid exposing them to content you might deem unsuitable depending on their age. Luckily, most consoles have some kind of parental control system in place, and the Nintendo Switch is no different. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls supports a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience So what kind of functionality can you restrict with the parental controls and how do you do this?  To begin with, there are the obvious reasons – you think some of the games on your console, which might be appropriate for you as their parent, are just too violent or with too many adult themes for children to understand. You might want to restrict what your children can buy on the eShop, which is likely loaded with your credit card details. Or perhaps you might want to restrict the amount of online time your child has every day.  There are a number of ways you can do this – either directly on the console, or via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, which you can link to your Nintendo account (which you will need in order to be able use this feature). The app also offers a few more features if you’re looking for additional levels of control.  On the console itself you go into System Settings, and scroll down to Parental Controls, which will encourage you to download the app. You’re not required to do this but it really is the more comprehensive and the easier option, especially if you have kids who might be able to circumnavigate the parental settings.  You can set the age level of your child in order to be able to control what kind of age-appropriate content they’re exposed to, select the rating board of the country in which you reside, disable voice communication so your child can’t speak to others online, and disable VR controls which is recommended for children under the age of seven.  Make sure you choose a PIN that your child isn’t likely to be able to guess!  Setting up the controls on the app is likewise very easy. You’ll need to sign into your Nintendo account, and once you’ve linked your Switch to the app via a registration code (remember where I told you it would tell you to download the app earlier?), and now you’re ready to set up things like daily play limits. You’ll be asked to enable push notifications so you can monitor your kids’ activity.  If you want to restrict access to the Nintendo eShop, there are a separate set of restrictions for those as well which will ensure your child doesn’t make unauthorised purchases, whether those are games or add-ons you might not want your child spending your money on!  Ultimately you can remove the parental controls as well if you feel you no longer need to monitor your child’s activity – for whatever reason – but it’s comforting to know that Nintendo is equally as invested in protecting your child as you are. Feel free to read more about how Nintendo is supporting a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience here. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf on Nintendo Distributor SA

June 22, 2021
Nintendo

Losing weight and getting fit with a video game!

Exercise and video games seem a bit odd at first glance. Sitting on your couch with a controller or a handheld device doesn’t seem like the best way to get up and active. Over the years there have been a few games and consoles focused on getting its players up and moving, to varying degrees of success. For the current generation however, one of these is a game I was at first a bit skeptical about – Ring Fit Adventure.  At first glance I figured it was like every other gimmicky peripheral, but if you’re looking for something to get both you and your kids off the couch and moving about, then this might be what you’re looking for.  It’s not a straight exercise game, unlike some other releases in the market, but rather the entire premise is set in a hero ‘saves the world’ narrative, by completing challenges and – you guessed it – exercising while doing it.  It comes with the gaming equivalent of a Pilates ring, in which you dock one of the motion sensitive Joy-Cons. The other Joy-Con is strapped to your leg, and this monitors your movement as you quite literally run (on the spot in real life) around the environment collecting items and defeating enemies.  The Joy-Cons are surprisingly sensitive for this kind of work, and the game will tell you to correct your form if you’re holding the ring incorrectly so you can get the most out of your workout.  When we first got it, my kids were quite enamoured with the game, which gets you to complete a series of challenges that get progressively harder. It also consistently monitors your movement and heart rate, feeding back on how hard you’ve worked in each session. As a parent I was pleased that they were up and moving around, and then a part of me figured, “Hey why don’t I give this a try?”  I can honestly say that I was breathing hard and sweating by the time I finished a couple of levels, which meant that I could use it (and did) to exercise on my own as well. Apart from the fact that you can set the difficulty level, each exercise is designed to work different parts of your body, so you’re working your core, your legs and arms, as well as getting some cardio in there.  The game narrative itself is quite basic, but it does keep you coming back, even if it’s just because you feel like you’re accomplishing something as you progress.  If your kids are more inclined to play video games than run around outside, this is a great way to get them moving and perhaps more interested in exercise overall. Being able to see real world fitness results from a video game is a big draw card in my book!  If you’re a parent looking to give their kids some motivation, or perhaps looking to fit in a quick workout of your own without leaving the house when you have a few minutes, I can highly recommend giving this a try. To find out more about Ring Fit Adventure, visit the Nintendo Online Store South Africa and maybe even take advantage of the current promotion to save R1000 on the Ring Fit Adventure set which includes the Nintendo Switch console. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf of Nintendo Distributor SA

June 15, 2021
Nintendo

Which Switch is which?

I’m hoping by now that most parents have heard about the Nintendo Switch. If you haven’t, here’s your chance to find out why this is one of the most family-friendly consoles around, or if you have it’s your chance to figure out which one would be the best fit for your family.   Launched in 2017, the Switch took the gaming world by storm as it launched a year or so after its competitors, primarily based on its versatile nature. Small and already portable in nature, players can dock the console so the game is transmitted to their television where they are able to play it on a big screen, then reattach the controllers or Joy-Cons, and take it with them as the ultimate gaming system.  Unlike previous handheld consoles, from any manufacturer, the transmutable nature of the Switch garnered it a great deal of attention as well as a solid fan base from gamers everywhere.  An updated version with better hardware was released in 2019, increasing the power of the console and making it even more attractive to gamers.  Later the same year, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite. Unlike its companion, the Switch Lite is a single, handheld unit unable to dock to a television, and so functions entirely as a portable console.  It is slightly smaller than its big brother, but with an extended battery life that makes travelling that much easier, and comes in a range of colours to suit every taste. The games you’re able to purchase are the same as for the standard Switch, but you’re limited to those you can play only in handheld mode as opposed to one where you detach the Joy-Cons as the Switch Lite is an all-in-one.  If you’re considering buying a Switch for your family (I’m not going to limit this to your kids as they are equally attractive to adult gamers!), you’ll want to think about a couple of things.  The first is how you’re planning on using it and what types of games you want to play. Certain Switch games that require Joy-Cons to be removed to function with the motion sensors, will be difficult with the Lite because it’s a single unit. You’re not able to dock it with a television, so if you had to pair an extra set of Joy-Cons you’d struggle to see the smaller screen from a distance. If you’re looking for a small, portable console that you can pop in your bag easily for a trip, with a wide range of first party and third party games then the Switch Lite, which comes in at a lower price point than its counterpart is probably what you’re looking for.  If you’ve jumped on the gaming exercise bandwagon, or you like the idea of getting up and moving a little more than what you’ve traditionally come to expect from video games, then you might want to go with the classic Switch instead. Games like Ring Fit, which gamifies exercise and really works up a sweat, will need the Joy-Cons to work and you really need to dock it on the TV to get the best experience there.  It’s definitely still small enough to fit into your bag if you’re travelling, but being able to play on a bigger television screen is something you do much more than you might expect. It also comes with the full range of games. One of the biggest draw cards of the Switch for me, is the fact that it really does do what it says on the box. Set it up, play, network it with other friends and play together, then undock it and take it with you when you leave the house. It’s really that simple.  Pricing might be your biggest consideration when making your purchase. The classic Nintendo Switch currently retails at R7999, while the Nintendo Switch Lite retails at R4999.  Both are excellent consoles, and which once you make a part of your life, should ultimately depend on the experience you’re looking for out of it.  By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf of Nintendo Distributor SA

June 8, 2021
Parenting Hub

Nintendo – Coming Soon

Do you love Nintendo? Well so do we! Keep an eye out for the 15th of June where we will be featuring Nintendo!

May 28, 2021
Parenting Hub

How to ditch your device and go on a digital detox

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many of us staying indoors for days, weeks, and even months on end. When we weren’t working online or joining an online class, we were binge-watching the latest series on Netflix, scrolling through social media, or playing online games. We have been spending most of our time staring at screens, but now might be a good time to take a break and consider a ‘digital detox’. Did you know? According to a study, South Africans spend an average of 8 hours and 25 minutes online each day. What is a digital detox?  You have probably heard of a ‘detox’ diet – a specific diet in which people cut out certain foods, supposedly to cleanse the body. A digital detox works in much the same way and requires you to take a break from technology to cleanse your mind. Going on a digital detox requires you to abstain from, or limit the use of, devices and platforms such as: Cellphones Laptops TVs Gaming consoles Social media  Benefits of a digital detox In our constantly connected world, embarking on a digital detox can have many benefits, including: Reducing stress Trying to keep up with a constant barrage of emails, text messages, and notifications can lead to increased stress. Taking a digital hiatus can help you relax a bit and reduce the constant pressure to be online and respond to others.  Increasing attention span The persistent beeping of notifications can not only make you more stressed but can also distract you from the tasks you have to complete. A study has found that more time spent using digital devices was linked to increased symptoms of ADHD (although symptoms of ADHD does not necessarily mean an ADHD diagnosis). A digital detox can help you focus on the task at hand and not distract you with unimportant notifications. Also read: Might my child have ADHD Connecting with family and friends Putting away devices can help you be more present and give your full attention to family and friends. Studies suggest that the overuse of smartphones in social contexts can decrease the quality and quantity of social interactions.  Even if you still need to resort to Skype or Zoom calls to connect with loved ones due to the coronavirus, you can make these moments count by focusing on one device or online platform at a time. If you are chatting with someone via video call on your laptop, don’t also scroll through Instagram on your phone at the same time. Focus on engaging with and really listening to the person with whom you are speaking.  Getting more sleep Evidence suggests that children who use digital devices at bedtime have worse sleep quality and quantity than children who do not use a digital device before bed. A digital detox can allow you to channel all the hours spent in front of a screen towards healthier habits such as unwinding at the end of the day by taking a bath, reading a book, and getting enough sleep. Also read: Why sleep is important for better academic results Avoiding the comparison game  Children, especially teenagers, who are becoming more aware and conscious of themselves and their peers are likely to start comparing themselves to the curated lives they see on social media. Comparison can ultimately lead to symptoms of poor mental health such as anxiety and depression. Taking a break from seeing the ‘picture-perfect’ lives of others can help you realise that social media is not always an accurate representation of people’s lives. Tips for embarking on a digital detox Now you know what some of the benefits of a digital detox are, you might be wondering how to start. Here are some tips on what to do when you are ready to ditch your digital devices (if only for a little while): Set realistic goals Make sure to set goals that are achievable. If you have to work online or attend online classes, going off the grid for a month might not be feasible. Instead, start small by logging out of social media for a few days or doing a mini-detox in the evenings by refraining from using your devices.   Set limits If you cannot disconnect completely, setting limits on digital connections can positively affect your mental wellbeing. You can start by reducing the number of hours you spend on your laptop or social media. Plan fun activities around these hours to ensure that you look forward to putting your phone down. You can also block specific sites on your laptop or put your phone on airplane mode to ensure that you are not distracted by notifications. Remove pop-up messages If your social media notification settings alert you with on-screen messages or tones, you will likely check your apps whenever you get an alert. Start your digital detox by turning off push notifications on your phone and set a time limit, like 30 minutes a day, in which to catch up on what you’ve missed.  Did you know? Research suggests that limiting your social media use to approximately 30 minutes per day can significantly improve your wellbeing. Choose your detox A digital detox can look different for everyone – you can decide what type of digital detox you want to do. Verywell Mind provides some ideas below: A digital break: avoiding all technological devices for a short period of time, such as a day or a week. A device-free day: avoiding all digital devices for one day of the week, e.g. going device-free every Tuesday. A specific detox: restricting access to a particular app or game. A social media detox: restricting or eliminating social media for a set period of time. Detox at specific times Promote enjoying screen time only when real-life chores are done. Reward your child or yourself with an hour of screen time after chores have been completed. Remember to avoid screens close to bedtime. Also read: Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour While

April 23, 2021
Parenting Hub

Is Clubhouse safe to use?

The Clubhouse application has recently become very popular in various parts of the world.  It appears to be a reflection of the growing interest in sound-based products with the recent rebound of the podcast. The Clubhouse has everything for people to find and interact with each other which is the basic dynamic of a social network. But it can create a false sense of security, privacy, and closeness, in part because of how its registration works (it’s invitation only at the moment). This creates several risks for the users, which are important to be aware of when using any public space on the Internet.  One of the risks is privacy risks. This is often connected with the fact that people feel they are surrounded by like-minded individuals and friends, which allows them to behave more authentically than they would in front of strangers. This creates an opportunity for offenders who are always on the lookout to use any accidently mentioned information against the victim, yet in this particular instance a user wouldn’t be able to prove the phrase was, for example, taken out of context, unless the conversation is recorded in advance. Theoretically, such cases could lead even to blackmailing a targeted person by demanding to pay a ransom. Moreover, it’s important to remember that everything you speak or write within the app is not only heard and seen by those present but also collected and analysed by the service itself. The app collects content, communications, and other information that participants provide, including when you sign up for an account, create or share content, and message or communicate with others. To create and manage an account, a participant may provide personal data, including name, phone number, a photo, an email address, and a username. And the app temporarily records the audio in a room while the room is live. Also, the data collected about the participants may also be given to third-parties, albeit for temporary use, but as the app have seen from high-profile incidents no one is insured against leaks. “As a whole, Clubhouse’s Privacy Policy is relatively standard, but when you share something on such social networks, it’s very important to always remember that you actually can’t be 100% sure what will happen with your shared data, so you have to be prepared for the fact that one day it may leak to the general public – someone may simply record it” – says Alexey Firsh, security researcher at Kaspersky. Kaspersky experts warn that users must remember that the Internet, especially discussion and social platforms, are a public place and the behaviour conducted on them should be appropriate for the public.

March 18, 2021
Parenting Hub

33% of gamers in South Africa hide how much they game from their parents

A third (33%) of gamers in South Africa are ashamed of how much they game and hide it from their parents. This is according to global research1 by Kaspersky and was discussed in a recent Mum’s Got Game live panel. This research1, commissioned by Kaspersky and conducted by Savanta in November last year, looks at gaming in 2020 across 17 countries and 5,031 respondents, and considers what dynamics between gamers and their parents have changed and what can be done to break down barriers and stigmas. According to the gamers surveyed, this gaming shame is due to archaic stigmas2 that remain around it, such as “bad for your health” (55%) or “rotting your brain” (56%). The biggest disappointment for gamers is that while parents appreciate many of the positives – creativity (55%), social skills (33%), problem solving (50%) – they are less able to engage with them about their passion, mainly because gameplay and the social elements of gaming are so different to the likes of movies and music. In fact, half (54%) believe that if their parents “got” gaming, their relationship overall would be better.  Andrew Winton, Vice President of Marketing at Kaspersky, said,“Gaming has provided huge support to many people this past year; offering solace, relief and friendship in difficult times. But for many families, the negative perceptions of gaming can be very counter-productive in enabling open dialogue and building relationships. We hope that the wise words from these mums will help others start to have better and more positive conversations between gamers and parents.” To read the full report visit our blog.

February 24, 2021
Parenting Hub

Modern children and where to find them: 73% of South African parents do not track their children’s location

Parents have always managed to set geographical boundaries – where their children could go and where they could not – back in time. Nowadays there is another opportunity to monitor the child’s whereabouts – to track the location of them using special software. Yet, according to Kaspersky’s special survey for parents, not many parents in South Africa realise this. According to the “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey*, 73% of South African parents do not track the location of their child. The reasons for this vary: 37% have never thought of tracking the location, while 31% do not know how to do it. There is an option to have the software, which lets parents locate their children on a map and set a safe area for them to stay in, installed on their children’s devices. However, 41% of parents in South Africa claim they do not have it installed on any of their devices. “Modern times offer a wide range of tools which can help in preventing accidents in real or digital life. It is crucial to know how to use them, what their benefits are, and, actually, use them. Tracking your child’s location can definitely save you a lot of trouble – its advantages lie also in the fact that it allows to control not only digital, but also real life of the child,” commented Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Safety at Kaspersky Network. To secure and protect your child both in digital and in real life, Kaspersky strongly recommends following this advice: Learn more on the topic of children’s cybersecurity: explore modern trends, apps, the way of behavior that has to be adopted in order to safeguard against dangers (for instance, the basic security rules while on the Internet); update your network security knowledge periodically, use the Kaspersky blog https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/ to do this. Communicate with your child and define the borders which are not meant to be crossed: discuss with them safe locations both real and webpages. Install a reliable security solution such as Kaspersky Safe Kids to monitor your child’s activity successfully.  Reference: *The “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey was implemented in conjunction with Toluna research agency in the end of 2019 – beginning of 2020. 5000 respondents from META region and Baltic states participated in the survey.

October 8, 2020
Bethwel Opil

Kaspersky registers growing interest in PlayStation 5 among cybercriminals

Kaspersky experts have recently detected a growing interest among phishers and scammers in the popular game console PlayStation, the new version of which is going to be launched in November. In the period of July – September 2020, there was discovered almost 150 suspicious web resources around the world with the word ‘playstation’ in their names. So far in September alone, Kaspersky experts found more than 60 such sites. However, in reality there may be a lot more. The phishing websites were mainly offering the chance to pre-order PlayStation 5 by leaving a prepayment or personal information. On some sites it was supposedly even possible to purchase a console at a reduced price. There were also resources where the previous version of the console – PlayStation 4 – was on offer for much lower prices, with the major discounts attributed to the release of PS5. “We want to remind users that if something looks too good to be true on the Internet, then it’s most probably a scam. Sales and pre-order messages are worth checking with reliable sources. You should not follow links in suspicious emails or messages sent via messaging services or social networks. It’s also a good idea to install a security solution with up-to-date databases of phishing and spam resources”, comments Tatyana Sidorina, Lead Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky. Kaspersky experts advise the following tips to protect against phishing threats: Always double-check the URLs of links shared in unexpected messages or those from an unknown sender, to make sure that they are genuine and do not cover another hyperlink that leads to a malicious page or download. If you are not sure that a website is genuine and secure, never enter your credentials or personal information. If you think that you  may have entered your login and password on a fake page, immediately change your password and call your bank or other payment provider if you think your card details may have been compromised. Always use a secure Wi-Fi connection, especially when visiting sensitive websites. Do not use public Wi-Fi without a password. If you are using an insecure connection, cybercriminals can redirect you to phishing pages without your knowledge. For added security, use VPN solutions that encrypt your traffic, such as Kaspersky Secure Connection. Use a security solution with behaviour-based anti-phishing technologies, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud or Kaspersky Total Security, which will warn you if you are trying to visit a phishing web page.

October 2, 2020
Parenting Hub

Technology in the Classroom – A South African Perspective

Early introduction of technology in schools is important to close the gap between our current situation and where we need our future graduates to be. It is predicted that by 2031 all repetitive tasks will be replaced by robots, so it is no longer enough to merely teach a child how to use a computer. Children need to be taught those skills that robots cannot do. According to Michelle Lissoos, Managing Director of Think Ahead, these skills include empathy, creativity, and higher cognitive thinking. Using technology to teach these human characteristics might seem contradictory, but technology can open doors for children which would otherwise be impossible in certain home situations.

November 26, 2019
Parenting Hub

Social exposure: examining the underlying insecurities in the future of robotics

The social influence of robots on people and the insecurities this can bring should not be underestimated. Research conducted by Kaspersky and Ghent University has found that robots can effectively extract sensitive information from people who trust them, by persuading them to take unsafe actions. For example, in certain scenarios, the presence of a robot can have a big impact on people’s willingness to give out access to secure buildings.

November 8, 2019
Parenting Hub

The dark side of apps

In fact, according to recent reports, 6 Android apps that were downloaded a staggering 90 million times from the Google Play Store were found to have been loaded with the PreAMo malware, while another recent threat saw 50 malware-filled apps on the Google Play Store infect over 30 million Android devices. Surveillance malware was also loaded onto fake versions of Android apps such as Evernote, Google Play and Skype.

September 13, 2019
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