Safer Internet Day 2022

Today, we’ve come together as a Trust, in support of Safer Internet Day – an annual campaign which aims to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology, especially among children and young people.

Our academies have lots of activities, assemblies and lessons lined up to help to work towards the creation of both a safer and better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

In the creation of a safer internet, everyone has a part to play. Here’s what you could do:

• Children and young people can help to create a better internet by being kind and respectful to others online, by protecting their online reputations (and those of others), and by seeking out positive opportunities to create, engage and share online.
• Parents and carers play a crucial role in empowering and supporting children to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively, whether it is by ensuring an open dialogue with their children, educating them to use technology safely and positively, or by acting as digital role models.
• We can help to create a better internet by equipping pupils with digital literacy skills and by developing their critical thinking skills, which will allow them to better navigate the online world.

During the day we will be using our communication channels to reach pupils, parents and carers with some tips, advice and support. Find out more at www.saferinternetday.org.

To support parents and carers with online safety, Parent Zone is hosting a free 30-minute virtual Safer Internet Day event on YouTube here, covering suitable games, effective boundaries, and what to do if you’re worried about excessive gaming.

They have also established a library of guides which look at specific social media platforms and games, as well as broader issues like age ratings or pressure to spend online.