Tuesday, February 11 is Safer Internet Day.
Organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) their aim are to promote the safe and responsible use of online technology and mobile phones for children and young people. This year’s theme is ‘let’s create a better internet together’. The day offers the opportunity to focus on both the creative things that children and young people are doing online, as well as the role and responsibility that all stakeholders have in helping to create a better internet.
Taking the lead within the Met, will be will the Safer Schools officers, Safer Neighbourhoods officers and Volunteer Police Cadets who will be raising awareness with children and young people through various activities in schools and local communities across London.
Activities include e-learning sessions with cyber mentors, presentations in schools using various resources such as videos by Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP). Officers will initiate discussions around online safety, ‘sexting’, social networking, malicious communications, harassment and grooming, incorporating internet safety into scenarios for use.
The UKSIC provides SID resources and support for children and young people, parents and carers as well as teachers and school staff and facilitates a range of organisations to join together to amplify the safer internet message. Other organisations include Facebook, Virgin Media, Disney and the NSPCC.
SID TV will be broadcast live at www.saferinternetdaytv.com with advice and practical information from experts and social media providers for teachers, young people and parents on internet safety.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, pictured, said: “The internet is for many children and young people a channel for socialising. We must do what we can to make it a safe space.
“We work with partners to promote the responsible use of the internet. We are dedicated to investigating all incidents of concern, including child abuse. To protect children and young people from harm, we will investigate those who misuse the internet.
“We encourage parents, guardians and all those that have contact with children and young people to learn together, how to keep safe online, this Safer Internet Day and everyday.”
Will Gardner, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “This Safer Internet Day looks set to be the biggest one yet – the fantastic range of supporters really reflects how widespread and important this issue is, and we are delighted to see such collaborations where schools, civil society, public and private sectors are all championing the same cause. Safer Internet Day is a time to celebrate the great work that everyone across the UK is doing to create a better internet together.”
All partners recognise the unparalleled opportunities the internet offers and actively encourage its positive use for social, leisure, economic and educational advancement. The partners all work towards making the Internet a great and safe place for children.
Further reading is available through the website: www.saferinternet.org.uk
