Police teach pupils internet safety tips
STUDENTS at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn have learned how to protect themselves from the risks lurking online as part of the global Safer Internet Day initiative.
Forty pupils departed from their usual timetable to take part in activities such as reviewing the types of situations that arise in cyberspace and developing their grasp of the threats and moral issues and how they can help to create a better web for everyone.
Cheshire police also presented a talk about online stranger danger and ‘sexting’ for students.
Pupils then created their own campaigns for tackling e-safety issues such as cyberbullying, radicalisation, privacy and sexting, and used tablet computers to create posters, movies and T-shirts to spread their message.
They also produced an interactive display to remain on show for several weeks.
The whole initiative was led by OBA e-safety coordinator Liam Hussey who presented assemblies about online safety to all year groups, and further activities took place in some tutor groups and classes.
Maths lessons examined the percentages in the ‘internet of things’, drama lessons covered cyberbullying and Spanish course students discussed the pros and cons of social media and smartphone addiction.
Mr Hussey said: “OBA has long encouraged online safety, however, this year our contribution to Safer Internet Day has been bigger than ever before.
“The work of students and staff to mark Safer Internet Day has been fantastic and the display in learning street looks brilliant too.
“E-Safety at OBA is always a high priority and our work for Safer Internet Day further gets across the message that the internet is an amazing resource but we all need to use it wisely and report any concerns to parents and carers or school staff.” ●