Safer Internet Day 2022
We recently celebrated Safer Internet Day with the slogan: All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online.
To mark this event, the '2 Johns' ran a set of virtual sessions for the children, staff and parents of Stanway Primary School.
In KS1, the children's fun and interactive sessions encouraged them to talk about the games, platforms and videos they access on a daily basis. They were asked to consider ways they can recognise 'the bad guys' online when they are playing popular games like Minecraft, Roadblox and Fortnite. We also reiterated to children that they should always tell an adult if something has given them the 'butterfly feeling' and they will never be in trouble for telling us.
In UKS2, the children enjoyed thinking about people who influence us online and how they can impact the choices that we make. The children also participated in a range of interactive activities that made them think about what information they are giving away online and how we can spot the bad guys. They learnt a lot about safe communication, within a range of different online platforms both for gaming and social media. The children took so much away from the session and felt more confident about safer communication and what to do if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable when online.
After school, the staff and parents were invited to a session. These were extremely eye-opening and reminded us (oldies) adults just how much time our little ones are spending on the Internet and the influence it has on their wellbeing. It is more important than ever for School Staff and Parents or Carers to create safe spaces for our children so they feel free to talk to us openly and honestly about their online lives. The Internet is certainly a minefield and it is completely understandable if you feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that was presented in the sessions.
Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day! Little by little you can start to make positive changes to help your child stay safe online. For example:
- Talk to your children about what they like to do - be interested not investigative!
- Play the games; watch the videos; use the apps with your child. Compare going on the Internet with any other new experience you give your child e.g. Cycling or swimming. The first time you took your child swimming you probably put arm bands on them; got in the pool with them and then gradually removed the support until you sat by the side with a coffee and a good book. It's no different with their use of the Internet.
- Change the location settings on apps and games e.g. 'Ghost mode' in Snapchat.
- Change the player settings on games e.g. So your child can only play with people they know in real life.
- Watch or re-watch the session (only available until April). There was a huge amount of information to take on board and unless you have a very good memory, you're bound to have missed something!
- Share this information with your friends and family - spread the eSafety message!
The Zoom link to the Parent / Carer session is: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/T8nleFj_lRrcY8bHKXw053Pjz3PciKCoYlmq3k-cm2l-HxOagSSphsD8eV5C8arX.tHphew6Cax3jb_1l
The passcode was made available on ParentHub.
Remember the session is available for a maximum of 60 days from 09/02/22
There are many, many more resources, tips and further information on the Safer Internet Day and 2 Johns' website. I would implore you to take a look!
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2022
You can also follow the 2 Johns on Facebook for information about their live events or follow them on Twitter.
Miss C Green
Computing Co-ordinator