The internet is a significant part of young people’s lives. It has revolutionised the way we communicate, learn, and interact. However, it isn’t all fun and games, safety should always be a concern.
At our school, we’re helping create awareness of the potential relationship and safety issues posed by gaming and video streaming sites whilst also explaining how young people can protect themselves online. We believe that education is crucial to making sure that our pupils are able to use the internet safely.
This year, on the 8th of February 2023, fifteen nations across the globe will participate in helping educate pupils on the dangers of the internet and how to keep safe when using it.
For Safer Internet Day 2023, the UK Safer Internet Centre is organising celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’, and is all about putting children and young people’s voices at the heart of the day and encouraging them to shape the online safety support that they receive. https://www.saferinternetday.org/en-GB/resources.
Mountford Manor pupils will be taking part in a whole school assembly and classroom activities as part of Safer Internet Day.
Weekly online safety lessons, Online Champions (pupils who offer support to other pupils and support with online worries), parent workshops, Termly Online safety Newsletter and Online Parent guides will all be taking place too.
"Although it is something we cover every week, Online Safety Day gives the school the opportunity to promote the importance of being safe online with both pupils and parents" - Sam Bullas, Computing Lead.
All members of staff are involved in encouraging safe online practices, and excellent training is provided through The White Horse Federation.