Best Swgfl Podcasts (2025)

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The Real Science of Screen Time with Pete Etchells 51:23

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1y ago51:23

51:23

Might social media actually be better for us than we think? Are we actually addicted to our phones, or are there behaviours we can spot and change? Joining Interface this time is Pete Etchells, psychologist, digital tech researcher, science writer and author of 'Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time'. Discover more about various aspects of digi…

1
Safeguarding Technology: Identifying disclosures 36:45

1+ y ago36:45

36:45

Dr Mark McGlashan from Birmingham City University joins the Interface team to discuss issues to do with online harm, safety and safeguarding in schools. SWGfL provide the Test Filtering service to help ensure filtering systems are blocking harmful online content. http://testfiltering.com/ Teachers and school staff can improve approach to online saf…

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Mr P ICT: teacher, podcaster and influencer Lee Parkinson 34:52

1+ y ago34:52

34:52

Lee Parkinson is one half of the '2 Mr Ps in a podcast' team alongside his brother Adam. He's a Manchester primary school teacher, a classroom technology trainer, and a social media content creator. He's a big advocate of the power of AI to save teachers time and energy and explores this in our latest episode. For further support, guidance, and con…

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Safer Internet Day: Childnet's Will Gardner OBE 31:42

1+ y ago31:42

31:42

Safer Internet Day takes place on the first Tuesday of every February. It's the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety - and brings together schools, businesses and thousand of organisations to promote safe and positive use of technology for children and young people. This episode - recorded in the wake of Safer Internet Day 2024 - is a chat abo…

1
AI and ChatGPT: what it means for schools and educators 39:53

1+ y ago39:53

39:53

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already changing the fundamentals of how we live, work and teach - and its influence will only grow. It can be daunting to understand its strengths, and how best to engage with it - but it could be a huge benefit to teachers and educators. In this episode of Interface, online safety consultant Jess McBeath and co-hos…

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12 Tips for Christmas #12: Online reputation - Bobby Seagull 6:14

2y ago6:14

6:14

What do you need to think about in order to manage your professional reputation online? For the last of our '12 Festive Tips', Jess and Gareth are joined by the one-and-only Bobby Seagull - celebrity maths teacher, with brilliant advice on how he navigates being both a professional educator and a social media personality. Listen to the full episode…

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12 Tips for Christmas #11: Parents and carers - Traci Good of iVengers 5:03

2y ago5:03

5:03

Parents and carers have a massive part to play, when it comes to both keeping young people safe online, AND helping them explore, grow and learn. That’s why - for this festive tip - we're hearing again from Traci Good, who we spoke to about Digital Leaders back in October. Traci has lots of great tips for getting parents involved and empowered to s…

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12 Tips for Christmas #10: Aspiring influencers - YouTuber Eman Kellam 5:10

2y ago5:10

5:10

Every classroom has at least one student that dreams of being a YouTube or social media star. It’s a tough area for teachers and educators to navigate: you want to encourage passions, and particularly creativity and learning new digital skills - but you also want to keep students safe online, and to help them understand they aren't - overnight - go…

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12 Tips for Christmas #9: Marie Collins Foundation 3:35

2y ago3:35

3:35

Vicki Green of the Marie Collins Foundation and Carmel Glassbrook from SWGfL are real experts at understanding and tackling harmful sexual behaviour. This mini-episode highlights their work, and the resources that are available to support teachers and educators. Hear their episode of Interface in full here. In 2022, SWGfL ran a Harmful Sexual Behav…

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12 Tips for Christmas #8: TikTok and algorithms - Alexandra Evans 4:24

2y ago4:24

4:24

One of our first ever episodes of Interface was with Alexandra Evans - the (now former) Director of Safety Public Policy at TikTok Europe. TikTok is driven by a powerful algorithm, to push users to content it thinks they want to see, based on their past online activity. It can be fun and exploratory - but it can also lead to concerns, especially if…

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12 Tips for Christmas #7: Filtering and Monitoring - SWGfL's Graham Lowe 3:43

2y ago3:43

3:43

'Filtering and monitoring' is the umbrella term for a school's systems and tools for preventing children from seeing things online that are inappropriate. For this tip, Jess and Gareth hear from SWGfL online safety lead consultant Graham Lowe. Listen to the full episode with Graham here. More support and resources for schools on filtering and monit…

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12 Tips for Christmas #6: Activism and empowerment - Gina Martin 4:19

2y ago4:19

4:19

Our sixth of 12 Digital Tips for Christmas is all about empowering students and young people to take action on things they care about. Gina Martin embarked on a tireless and successful campaign to criminalise ‘upskirting’ (taking photographs from underneath to see up someone's clothing) after someone did it to her in July 2017. She has since publis…

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12 Tips for Christmas #5: Cyber-attacks - Sir Dan Moynihan 5:02

2y ago5:02

5:02

Is your nightmare before Christmas a school cyber-attack? Number 5 in Interface’s ‘12 digital tips for Christmas’ looks at surviving hacking, phishing and other online attacks. We hear from Sir Dan Moynihan of London’s Harris Schools Federation. The full episode with Sir Dan - also featuring NCSC experts - can be heard here. Interface is a podcast …

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12 Tips for Christmas #4: Talking about porn - Prof Andy Phippen 4:27

2y ago4:27

4:27

How do teachers and educators talk to children about online pornography? Welcome to number 4 of Interface’s 12 digital tips for Christmas. Jess and Gareth talk to Professor Andy Phippen, and share their own tips on handling difficult conversations about inappropriate online content. Listen to the full episode with Andy here. Interface is a podcast …

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12 Tips for Christmas #3: Supporting Girls - Natasha Devon MBE 4:14

2y ago4:14

4:14

Interface’s third of 12 Christmas digital tips is here! This time, author, broadcaster and campaigner Natasha Devon MBE, on supporting girls and women online. Give Natasha’s full episode here. It was first released in March to mark International Women’s Day. Interface is a podcast for teachers and educators from SWGfL, part of the UK Safer Internet…

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12 Tips for Christmas #2: Taming Gaming - Andy Robertson 3:43

2y ago3:43

3:43

If technology and video games are on your kids’ Christmas lists, our second of 12 digital Christmas tips is one for you. Jess and Gareth introduce a clip from Taming Gaming’s Andy Robertson. Listen to the full episode with Andy here. Interface is a podcast for teachers and educators from SWGfL, part of the UK Safer Internet Centre. Discover more ab…

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12 Tips for Christmas #1: Bullying - Alex Holmes 3:36

2y ago3:36

3:36

On the first day of Christmas, Interface gives to you… Our first of 12 snack-sized episodes, looking back on past podcast guests, and some digital tips from hosts Jess and Gareth. First up, anti-bullying campaigner Alex Holmes. Listen to the full episode with Alex here. Interface is a podcast for teachers and educators from SWGfL, part of the UK Sa…

1
Roblox community safety & civility: Laura Higgins 33:02

2y ago33:02

33:02

Roblox is massive! It had over 66 million daily users worldwide at the start of 2023. It is understood to be the most popular online gaming platform for UK under-13s, and its user numbers have gone up by a fifth in a single year. In this episode, Jess McBeath and Princess Lawal take a deep dive with Roblox's head of Community Safety & Civility, Lau…

1
Digital Leaders: building confidence, team work and tech skills 35:06

2y ago35:06

35:06

Children and young people can take a proactive active role in technology and online safety, running peer-led training, and even educating parents and carers! Interface co-hosts Gareth Cort and Ailish Hunter talk all things Digital Leaders and peer-led online safety, with Childnet's Danielle Antha, and Derbyshire's chief iVenger Traci Good. Links: C…

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Cybersurvey: listening to children and young people 35:44

2y ago35:44

35:44

The annual schools Cybersurvey has been offering vital insights for safeguarding, online safety education, and student wellbeing since it was first launched by the charity Youthworks in 2008. Adrienne Katz leads the Cybersurvey, and speaks in this episode with Interface's Gareth Cort and Princess Lawal. For support and guidance around the online we…

1
Filtering and monitoring online: new rules and standards for schools 34:09

2y ago34:09

34:09

Recently updated guidance for schools on standards for filtering and monitoring online content has led to some confusion and worry. But don't worry - it's not as complicated as you might think! SWGfL online safety lead consultant Graham Lowe joins Interface's Jess McBeath and Gareth Cort to explain. More support and resources for schools on filteri…

1
Gina Martin: empowering young people to make a difference 36:50

2y ago36:50

36:50

Gina Martin embarked on a tireless campaign to criminalise 'upskirting' (taking photographs from underneath to see up someone's clothing) after someone did it to her in June 2017. She shares her experience of online activism, and gives tips on how teachers can support children and young people to make a difference on issues they care about - and st…

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What I Wish I'd Known with Ailish and Princess 35:16

2y ago35:16

35:16

For our final Interface episode before the long summer holiday, something a bit different. Our young co-hosts Princess and Ailish reflect on a whole school year of working with SWGfL, and think about what they know about internet safety now, that they wish they'd understood when they were still at school. They're joined for the chat by SWGfL's Gare…

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Influencer in the classroom with YouTuber Eman Kellam 31:07

2+ y ago31:07

31:07

Does your class have a social media influencer? There are likely to be students with career ambitions as Tiktok stars or YouTubers. What do they need to know? And what do you need to know to better support them? Interface's Ailish Hunter is a former beauty and make-up YouTuber, and hosts this episode alongside SWGfL online safety consultant Jess Mc…

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Pornography and young people: Prof Andy Phippen 35:22

2+ y ago35:22

35:22

How can pornography impact the children and young people in your care as an educator? Andy Phippen is professor of digital rights at Bournemouth University. He joins SWGfL internet safety consultant Gareth Cort and co-host Ailish Hunter to talk about online sexual content, and its impact on young people's relationships, body image, and more. Resour…

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Natasha Devon MBE on supporting girls and women online 35:51

2+ y ago35:51

35:51

For International Women's Day, Jess McBeath and co-presenter Princess Lawal welcome campaigner, author and broadcaster Natasha Devon MBE, to talk about the pressures and difficulties facing girls and women online. The three talk porn, toxic influencers, tackling disinformation, and so much more. Natasha's book are online: https://www.natashadevon.c…

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A positive approach to video and computer games 29:15

2+ y ago29:15

29:15

As parents and educators, maybe it's time to re-think our attitudes to video and computer games. Are they just addictive time sinks that get in the way of more 'positive' activities? Or can they be a pathway to genuine learning experiences, and a tool to have better communication with children and young people? Jess McBeath and young co-host Bill B…

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Young people, online wellbeing, and developing healthier habits 29:35

2+ y ago29:35

29:35

How can we help young people develop a healthier relationship with technology? Jess McBeath and Ailish Hunter are joined by Cath Knibbs, psychotherapist and cybertrauma expert. They discuss digital detoxes and decluttering, using technology mindfully, and helping young people to navigate online challenges. Much more at SWGfL online The Professional…

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Intimate image abuse with 'revenge porn' survivor footballer Leigh Nicol 48:00

3y ago48:00

48:00

(TW: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide) So-called 'revenge porn' - non-consensual online sharing of intimate images (NCII) - is increasingly a form of abuse that everyone should be aware of. We hear from Crystal Palace footballer and NCII abuse survivor Leigh Nicol about the impact of having videos shared globally on porn sites, and …

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Tackling bullying: Alex Holmes of The Diana Award 30:53

3y ago30:53

30:53

Alex Holmes is one of the UK's best known anti-bullying campaigners. Aged just 16 and after experiencing bullying himself, he founded a peer-to-peer support programme Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. He won a Diana Award for this work, and then went on to become deputy CEO of the Diana Award organisation. He has been named as one of '100 people who make …

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"Help, my school's been hacked!" With Sir Dan Moynihan and NCSC experts 52:20

3y ago52:20

52:20

Schools are as much at risk of hacking, phishing, and other cyber attacks as any other organisation. The team hear from Sir Dan Moynihan, whose Harris Schools Federation faced a devastating cyber attack and subsequent blackmail attempt. We are also joined by NCSC experts Kerr, Syeda and Sarah (their surnames are withheld because of NCSC's close lin…

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Harmful sexual behaviour and where to find support 35:36

3y ago35:36

35:36

Since its launch in January 2022, the Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service has helped hundreds of teachers and education professionals looking for advice on how to respond to concerns, and how to put correct safeguarding measures in place. Jess, Gareth, and young co-host Ailish Hunter are joined by helpline service lead Carmel Glassbrook and Vi…

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Teachers and safety with TikTok's Alexandra Evans 45:58

3y ago45:58

45:58

TikTok is easily the biggest current social media trend, and an obsession for most children and young people (and plenty of teachers!). Alexandra Evans is TikTok's Head of Safety Public Policy, Europe. She joins Jess, Gareth, and this episode's young co-host Princess Lawal for an indepth chat about teachers and TikTok. Useful links: The Professiona…

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Bobby Seagull on social media and teaching 27:35

3y ago27:35

27:35

Introducing Interface, a brand new podcast from SWGfL! Interface is for teachers and education professionals, to support you in navigating online life for the children and young people you work with. This first episode is a chat with Bobby Seagull, maths teacher, TV quiz guru, and social media enthusiast. We also introduce expert presenters Jess Mc…

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Online bullying 21:50

4+ y ago21:50

21:50

Block and report isn’t enough. The Think B4 You Type campaign toolkit helps schools support young people to lead anti-bullying work. Jess talks to Carla Malseed from the NSPCC about their work with RespectMe to develop this resource. Carla explains how young people were involved in the project, what they said about how key messaging needs to change…

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Ethical Hacking 26:43

4+ y ago26:43

26:43

What does the internet know about you? Jess chats with Abdullah Khan from BRIM about securing your online presence. Abdullah gives his top cybersecurity tips for educators and discusses the traits young people need for a career as an ethical hacker.By SWGfL

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Interview with Police Scotland 18:05

4+ y ago18:05

18:05

How do Police Scotland help keep young people safe online? How has their approach to digital safeguarding changed in recent years? Jess talks to Sergeant Bev Bowles from the Cyber Crime Harm Prevention Team.By SWGfL

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Safer Internet Day 2021 24:37

4+ y ago24:37

24:37

Safer Internet Day 2021 is just around the corner! Jump in and listen to Jess and Gareth discuss all of the great activities and content you can use for the SID celebration on the 9th of February!By SWGfL

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What is digital youth work? 25:09

4+ y ago25:09

25:09

Hilary Phillips from YouthLink Scotland joins us for our first podcast of 2021. We delve into digital youth work, the digital divide, and challenges for young people and youth workers engaging online.By SWGfL

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Online Harms Response - Online Safety 23:09

5y ago23:09

23:09

In a conversation with the director of UK Safer Internet Centre, David Wright, about the new full government response to Online Harms Whitepaper consultation, and what would that mean for children and educators? Join us for another great podcast!By SWGfL

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Smashing online safety in the Highlands 26:47

5y ago26:47

26:47

Jess chews the fat with Robert Quigley about the Highland approach to online safety, including their Chromebook rollout, using 360 Degree Safe Scotland and the comprehensive Highland Online Safety Centre. Plus Robert gives his top tips for schools and educators.By SWGfL

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Social Dilemma - Online Safety 31:23

5y ago31:23

31:23

What are your thoughts on the new documentary from Netflix titled Social Dilemma? Is this something that can be used in the classroom? Another great episode from Jess and Gareth, have a listen and join in!By SWGfL

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Project Evolve - How to teach online safety? - Online Safety 34:27

5y ago34:27

34:27

What is Project Evolve and why is it the best resource for teachers in 2020? Find out all you need to know about how to teach online safety, how to use Project Evolve in another great podcast from SWGfL.By SWGfL

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Online Safety Digital Engagement 28:24

5y ago28:24

28:24

Do you feel anxious using different digital technologies to connect? What are some of the pressures and advantages of video conferencing tools? Learn about this and much more on another brilliant online safety podcast with Jess and Gareth.By SWGfL

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Internet Matters conversation - SEND resources 32:06

5y ago32:06

32:06

Listen to this great conversation with Claire Levens from Internet Matters to hear about the great resources Internet Matters have developed to support parents and children with SEND.By SWGfL

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Young people and misinformation 25:44

5y ago25:44

25:44

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2021 is ‘An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world’. Ellie Proffitt from Childnet International gives a sneaky preview of the latest research on this issue with children and young people. The chat covers influencers, advertising, and the impact of misinformation on young people.…

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Online Safety - Back to school 30:51

5y ago30:51

30:51

What safeguarding considerations we need to have before the new school year? What about online safety guidance and advice? Find all that and more in another Jess and Gareth SWGfL podcast about back to school!By SWGfL

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Duty of care to prevent online harms 27:56

5y ago27:56

27:56

Jess talks to Douglas White from Carnegie UK Trust. Hear about Carnegie’s work, digital inclusion, and digital citizenship. What are the implications for education arising from the ‘duty of care’ approach to regulating online harms?By SWGfL

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Preventing child sexual abuse 26:24

5y ago26:24

26:24

Jess is joined by Stuart Allardyce and Lindsay Mullen from Stop It Now! Scotland. The discussion includes talking about preventative approaches to child sexual abuse including the Upstream project, educating young people, and working directly with young people displaying harmful sexual behavior. Useful information for educators and we hear about th…

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Young people speak about their online rights 24:48

5y ago24:48

24:48

Jess talked to Beccie and Marcus about children's rights online. These two young people are involved in ENYA, the European Network of Young Advisors. What do young people want and need in the digital environment? They tell us all!Thank you to the Children & Young People's Commissioner Scotland for hosting this conversation.…