OpenZone at The Word

10/06/2026

Sports betting has become increasingly visible online, appearing across apps, websites, social media, sports coverage and gaming spaces.

Even when young people are not legally old enough to gamble, they may still encounter betting messages through adverts, influencers, tipsters, friends or adult accounts.

Our latest guide highlights key risks, including:
• Easy online access
• Gambling becoming normalised around sport
• Peer and influencer pressure
• Free bet offers
• Impulsive spending and chasing losses

It also offers practical advice for parents, carers and educators on starting calm conversations, setting safer digital boundaries, spotting warning signs and finding support.

Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/577v8

29/05/2026

Time to change your passwords!

27/05/2026

Minecraft continues to be a highly popular platform for children, combining creativity, problem-solving and social interaction.

While the game can offer positive opportunities for learning and play, features such as public servers, multiplayer modes and in-game communication can create safeguarding challenges.

Our latest guide supports educators and parents in understanding these risks and helping children play more safely.

The guide explores:
• Public server communication and contact with unknown players
• Griefing, disruptive behaviour and online conflict
• In-game spending and subscription costs
• Addictive gameplay loops and balanced screen time
• Safer settings, private servers and suitable game modes

With clear, practical advice, the guide helps adults set boundaries, encourage safer choices and support responsible Minecraft use.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/54tfx

27/05/2026

Join us at The Word for our Minecraft Coding Course delivered by ICT in Schools.

Wednesday 27 May - three time slots available:

🎮 9.30am - 11.00am
🎮 12pm - 1.30pm
🎮 2pm - 3.30pm

£11.55 per child (booking fee included). Suitable for ages 8-12 years.

To book visit: https://theworduk.org/whats-on/minecraft-coding-course/

13/05/2026

Online grooming is a serious and growing threat, with offenders using a range of tactics to build trust with children and young people before exploiting that relationship.

This can happen across social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps and group chats, often through fake identities, flattery, gifts or pressure.

Our latest guide highlights key risks, including:
• Strangers using fake identities
• Exploitation through gifts and flattery
• Group chats creating hidden pathways
• Gaming platforms becoming grooming gateways
• Sextortion, criminal grooming and radicalisation

The guide also offers practical advice for parents and educators on recognising warning signs, understanding the platforms children use and creating open, regular conversations.

Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/53zbc

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

We had a great day with Year 1 and Reception. Thanks for having us in school

06/05/2026

Neurodivergent children are often early adopters of technology, making supported online experiences especially important.

Our latest guide helps parents and educators understand how to create safe, positive digital environments.

It explores key considerations, including:
• Modelling responsible online behaviour
• Setting age-appropriate boundaries
• Encouraging open and supportive conversations
• Understanding emerging risks such as AI-generated content

The guide also highlights the importance of balancing screen time with offline activities to support wellbeing and development.

Download the guide here: https://vist.ly/536kq

28/04/2026

📣 TEACHERS

Join us for a free webinar: Exploring CreateAI resources for the BBC micro:bit.

This session includes a practical demonstration of the CreateAI tool. We’ll show how to connect a micro:bit, collect movement data and train a simple machine learning model in the classroom.

We’ll also share supporting resources and projects to help you get started with CreateAI.

📅 Wednesday 6 May
💻 Free for teachers everywhere
🔗 Link in comments to reserve your place

Can’t make it live? Sign up and we’ll send you the recording. 👍