Westonbirt embraces Safer Internet Day
Research commissioned by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) for Safer Internet Day reveals more than half (57%) of young people believe they can help educate parents or carers on internet harms.
On Tuesday 7th February, Westonbirt School and Prep joined many schools and youth organisations across approximately 180 countries worldwide to embrace Safer Internet Day. From cyberbullying to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns and promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. From assemblies, tutor time discussions to in class activities, this year’s learning has been centred around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’.
Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote in school and this day is a great opportunity for teachers to reemphasize the online safety messages they continue to deliver throughout the year.
Our Senior School Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Nicola Gill, said:
“This year we are following the message of ‘Want to talk about it?’. We are encouraging and empowering our students to talk about: their life online; about consent before taking, posting, sharing or sending images; and about how to be aware of online risks as well as how to support others online. Most importantly we are reminding our students about how and where to get help. The internet is amazing, but sometimes things can and do go wrong. There are so many ways to get help and talking is the first step. Talk to a parent or carer, a teacher, or another trusted adult who can help. You could always talk to a friend first, and then talk to an adult together”.
Over family mealtimes or journeys to school this week, we would be delighted if you could join us in embracing this day by continuing the conversation at home. There are some fantastic free resources, videos and quizzes alongside an abundance of information available for parents and carers at: saferinternet.org.uk/SID-parents.