Kids learn lessons in internet safety
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OMORE than 50 pupils and staff from 18 Halton schools attended an e-safety event organised by Halton Borough Council health improvement team and Cheshire police, to learn how to stay safe online.
The digital environment is constantly evolving and young people are interacting with it from a multitude of devices at an even younger age, making it more important than ever for teachers and parents to be up-to-date.
The aim of the event was to help schools and youth providers with upto-date information on using the internet and how to keep safe with a variety of activities.
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for children, young people and families, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: “By being aware of risks online we can prevent many issues rather than dealing with concerns.
“Staff training is an induction to the ‘Thinkuknow’ Programme, while staff are receiving their training, the young people receive training in a different room which covered key issues around what is being used, how they are being targeted, presentation skills and much more.
“Once enrolled and trained, schools and youth providers will be provided with continual support and resources which will enhance what has already been learnt in the classroom and youth setting.”
Useful tips for Staying Safe Online:
1) Don’t post any personal information online – like address, email address or phone number.
2) Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself.
Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
3) Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.
4) Never give out your passwords.
5) Don’t befriend people you don’t know.
6) Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people who suggest you do.
7) Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.
8) Think carefully about what you say before you post something online.
9) Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude.
10) If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.
Cheshire police and Halton schools work in partnership to protect young people online, offering e-safety education to effectively engage young people in e-safety practice.
Schools that were invloved felt that they had learned a lot and were equipped to take the information back to their classrooms and share the messages.
Jane Tetlow, of Cheshire police, who helped to organise the day with Halton Borough Council’s health improvement team, said: “We are keen as a safer schools team to educate and assist young people and teachers to deliver their own safety messages about being online and using technology.
“By involving pupils and teachers it helps a coordinated approach which can then be shared with parents and families, pupils help keep the adults stay up to date with the new sites, games and apps, adults can then encourage responsible digital behaviour, awareness of potential problems and where to get help and support.”
More information can be found at thinkuknow. co.uk or on the Cheshire police website.