Staying Safe Using Teams, Zoom and Social Media
Advice for learners of all ages in how to stay safe whilst using online communication/conferencing software packages like Microsoft Teams and Zoom etc. The following activity is also useful for learners who use social media.
If you are a B-Skill Learner and feel you have a safeguarding issue, please discuss with your coach. Alternatively, please call the number to the left to talk to one of our designated safeguarding officers.
If you are in imminent danger, you should call 999 immediately.
Update the MS Teams/Zoom app regularly. Even if you use the website, it will often take you into the app. MS Teams/Zoom are regularly updating and altering their security settings, so it is best to have the latest version.
As with any form of online account, make sure that you use a strong and unique password. Avoid multiple same number/character passwords (abc123 or aaa111 etc). Also, avoid passwords that could be guessed if the person hosting is known to the guests.
Remain alert about fake MS Teams and Zoom apps, which can contain malicious files.
MS Teams also has ‘Waiting Room’ set as default – this means that the host has to approve each participant before they join the call. Make sure you know who it is requesting to attend your meeting.
When sharing your screen with other participants, be sure that what you are about to share is appropriate and that you are happy for it to be shared. You can also set it so that only the host can share their screen. Good etiquette when entering a room is to remain muted until required to talk. This practice will reduce the amount of environmental static/noise accumulated over numerous participants.
You must be at least 16 years old to use Microsoft Teams due to the option of video conferencing. However, there is no age restriction as such for setting up a Microsoft account. If you are under 13, Microsoft does have certain rules.
When using MS Teams/Zoom at home with your family, you could also ask that they use it in a shared family space, or in their bedroom with the door open. Try to come to a compromise and remember that young people want their privacy too.
When carrying out lessons with your Coach, they will set some ground rules about behaviour on MS Teams. Different topics of conversation or images appropriate for different groups, i.e. co-learners and colleagues, contacts and workers. At home you should also set ground rules about behaviour on MS Teams and with whom i.e. family, close friends and other acquaintances.
Talk together about what things are appropriate before any calls.
You should ensure that, when using MS Teams, you know how to use a virtual background so you do not show where you are, revealing information about yourself – such as photographs of children and family, for example.
If you feel we’ve missed something, or would like us to add to our page, please contact your Coach
Please Watch The Following Video About Staying Safe Online
Remember to take notes as your coach will ask you questions about the content.
Activity
Although the main focus of the text is for learners who use Teams/Zoom etc, we would like you to review the poster and carry out research on the following words/phrases. These have been highlighted for you to research as they will help keep you informed and protected when accessing online content and media.
Please research the following terms:
– Online Grooming
– Two Factor Authentication
– Cyberbullying
– Phishing
– Identity Theft
Make some notes and then prepare to have a discussion with your coach.