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Coram Life EducationSCARF

Online behaviours

Workshops for 9 to 11 year-olds, delivered in our 'LifeSpace' environment, or your classroom

In 2024, Ofcom, the online safety regulator, reported that:

  • 99% of children spend time online.
  • Nine in 10 children own a mobile phone by the time they reach the age of 11.
  • Despite most platforms having a minimum age of 13, six in 10 children aged 8 to 12 who use them are signed up with their own profile.
  • Almost three-quarters of teenagers between age 13 and 17 have encountered one or more potential harms online.

There is mounting evidence of the risks to children's mental and physical wellbeing caused by their growing online activity - in particular, their use of smartphones.

Needs-analysis we conducted with teachers demonstrates a huge demand for support in helping children to develop more responsible and respectful online behaviours, and to manage the amount of time they spend online, in turn, helping them to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

In response to this demand, we're developing new workshops for older primary-age children:

Wellbeing Warriors in the Online World - available from September 2024 and suitable for 9-11 year-olds.

This workshop will help children to:

  • Recognise the impact of online behaviours on their mental wellbeing
  • Understand the different ways our decisions are influenced online - including through Influencers and online advertising
  • Develop critical thinking skills in relation to online influences
  • Identify positive ways to interact online, both publicly and privately and to manage their online behaviours.

Smart Thinking in the Online World - available in 2025 and suitable for 10-11 year-olds.

This workshop will help children to:

  • Understand that self-image can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing and physical well-being
  • Understand how online experiences can influence behaviour, specifically in relation to social media and algorithms
  • Develop critical thinking skills and digital literacy     
  • Understand how online gaming can be enjoyed in a safe and healthy way
  • Recognise and empathise with patterns of behaviour in peer group dynamics, on and off-line.

Contact your local team to check the availability of these workshops and environments for your school.

 

"Problematic smartphone usage was associated with adolescent anxiety and depression, independent of screen time. Interventions are needed to reduce problematic use." King's College London research report findings, 2024