In recent weeks, local schools have participated in EU Safer Internet Day 2010.   Parents and teachers are today being encouraged to help change children’s online behaviour.

The initiative promoted events across Europe and encouraged internet users of all ages to think about how they are using the internet safely. Within the UK, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, the national Centre for child protection, is spearheading activities and launching new resources to raise awareness and empower children and young people.

Research by Ofcom shows that 78% of 5-7 year olds are now using the internet, (Research from OFCOM, UK children’s media literacy: interim report September 2009).  Learning about online safety is as integral as road safety. Parents and teachers can use additional resources to help their children understand an easy code – Zip It, Block It, Flag It – part of the Click Clever Click Safe campaign, launched by the Government last year.  Students are advised not to disclose personal information, to block contact from people who are bullying or harassing them, and to flag up any problems to parents, teachers or website providers.

A video conference session was organised by St. Pius X College to promote the event.  Participating schools included Carrickfergus College, St. Mary’s Grammar School, Rainey Endowed and St. Pius X College.  C2k and HP provided technical support on the day and all schools used hi-tech Tandberg video conferencing equipment.  Issues discussed by students included the dangers of the Internet and how social networking sites can be misused.  In St. Pius X College a series of in-house competitions were organised throughout year groups, which included online surveys/competitions, wordsearches and an Internet Safety poster competition.  Winners can be seen displayed on the College website (http://www.stpiusxcollege.org/)  Follow-up video conferencing sessions have also taken place between Holy Trinity College, Cookstown and St. Pius X College, to aid the teaching of synchronous technologies in the GCSE ICT course.

Helen Penn, CEOP’s Head of Education explains more: “Younger and younger children are using the internet to talk to family and friends and to play games. By helping them to develop safe online behaviour from an early age, we can ensure that our children are fully equipped with the understanding and knowledge they need to stay safe.

“The theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day is ‘Think before you post’ and we would like to encourage everyone to do just that – do you really know who you are talking to? Is it really sensible to post that photo of yourself on your social networking site? By changing children’s online behaviour and educating them from an early age, we not only empower them with the skills they need to stay safe, but also deter those offenders who seek to harm children online Students are encouraged to follow the ‘SMART’ Internet code”.  Internet Safety Day was a great success in participating schools.  It celebrated the use of video conferencing technology and allowed students to discuss important issues in a relaxed and open forum.  Additional details about the ‘SMART’ code can be found on www.kidsmart.org.uk

St. Pius X College students showcasing their 'SMART' Internet Display with Mrs E Toner (Vice-Principal)

St. Pius X College students with Mr G Duffy (E-Learning Co-ordinator), participating in the video conferencing session