31/01/2026
Pay attention regardless of your age
Following on from our recent advice around AI (Artificial Intelligence), this week our School Education Officers have identified another current ‘trend’ that is/could cause our children harm.
We have received information that accounts are being created on TikTok encouraging young people to follow them in return for a ‘shout out’. Once followed, the user then asks the young person to send pictures or videos of themselves in inappropriate poses, under the guise of a ‘challenge’.
We are also aware of young people being asked to send similar images or videos in exchange for Robux (Roblox currency) in return.
Similar to the media posts we share in conjunction with Cyber Security Centre for the Isle of Man, we will continue to highlight any current local online trends so that parents, carers, and young people are aware and can make informed choices about their online activity.
We are encouraged to see that many young people are acting on the advice we deliver in schools, particularly to ‘tell’ a trusted adult if they find themselves asked to do anything they are uncomfortable with.
By sharing this post, you can help us raise awareness of how people are exploiting young people through Social Media and gaming platforms. This allows parents and guardians to have informed conversations with their children and support our shared aim of keeping them safe both on and offline.
Please see the below links which provide guidance and safety for children with growing technology:
👉 www.internetmatters.org
👉 www.nspcc.org.uk/.../talking-to-children-about-ai
👉 www.nspcc.org.uk/.../artificial-intelligence...
👉 www.childnet.com
👉 www.oursaferschools.co.uk/iom
If you are worried about someone’s safety or have information about online exploitation, please contact Police HQ on 01624 631212, call 999 in an emergency, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
