Learn safe choices online through interactive stories
Helping children and vulnerable people access the digital world safely through our innovative ‘SpeakOut!’ app
Download now for free
What is SpeakOut!
Guidance – You are Not Alone
These stories offer the user advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty they, or someone else, may be facing. Remember you’re not alone.
Choices – Decision Making
Our stories are told within a text message type interface which allows the user to select their own choices to develop the story further, and feel a part of the story themselves.
Story Telling – Real Situations
We offer multiple storylines that cover difficult topics. We continue to create more stories to help provide those vulnerable users with the resources, to get the help they need.
Feedback – Learn From Mistakes
After the user makes a choice, they will be shown the impact of that choice and whether it was positive, neutral, or poor response. This feedback will help guide the user to understand their choices.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to buy the App?
No. SpeakOut! is completely free to download and install.
Is my phone supported?
SpeakOut! is supported on both iOS and Android.
How do I get the SpeakOut! app for my phone?
Simply head over to the App Store or the Google Play Store and search for SpeakOut! Alternatively, you can use one of the links provided on this website.
Can I reach out to tell you my story?
Of Course. We are always on the lookout for new scenarios. Contact us using this form.
What additional resources do you offer?
SpeakOut! is just one small part of The Cyber Trust. We have plenty of other resources available over on our own website here.
Privacy and Cookies
Our Privacy and Cookie policies for this sub-domain site are the same as for our main site, The Cyber Trust, and may also be seen on that site’s Policy Page.
Donations
If you would like to make a donation to support The Cyber Trust we have a Donations Page.
Background
We know that children and young people can become victims to online abuse and bullying, and the promotion of false or misleading information, sometimes with devastating consequences, and that such abuse is growing as young people are spending more time online.
The Cyber Trust was created to help children become safer online. Initially, the Cyber Trust’s work was restricted to Gloucestershire, however after growing demand the decision was made to develop an app for Android and Apple (iPhone, iPad) devices. Known as ‘SpeakOut!’, the app covers a range of relevant subjects, specifically for pupils transitioning from primary to secondary schools which is seen to be a critical time in the development of young people.
Many of the schools which would benefit from using such our app find it difficult to raise funds for such learning, so we have made it free to users.
The Cyber Trust worked collaboratively with various partners including schools, statutory and business organisations, and with a group of computing technologies and gaming research students at the University of Gloucestershire to develop the app, initially concentrating on the topics of bullying and grooming. Storylines on body image and fake news were subsequently added, and subsequently on racism and sexting.
We have undergone rigorous testing as the app was developed; it has been trialled with young people in a school setting at Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre and Guiding for Gloucestershire, and has been well received. In fact, many pupils commented that they liked the innovative approach and did not have experience of any other such material. We have had some informative feedback, concluding that the app is best used in a classroom/group setting.
We have involved the Gloucestershire Constabulary Cyber Protect Safeguarding Team, the NPCC and Child Friendly Gloucestershire in providing advice. Gloucestershire Guiding has partnered with The Trust and worked with us on developing scenarios. They have created a Badge called the SpeakOut! Challenge badge.
