Explore situations and risks of online activities surrounding texting, social media, grooming, inappropriate photography, cyber-bullying and more.
The internet is a tool that we all use on a daily basis, for work and for leisure. Many devices are ‘internet ready’, meaning that we can access the internet wherever we are and from anywhere in the world and from a computer, tablet or phone. Though internet access brings enormous benefits to individuals and society, it can also bring harm and this harm can spread negative behaviour and messages very quickly. There are a number of different activities that are carried out online which can be illegal.
Internet Safety and Young People
The advent of the internet provides opportunities for young people to explore the world, make friends and to develop their potential – they have grown up not knowing life before the internet. Young people have two lives – ‘online’ and ‘the real world’ and there can be much overlap. Sadly, there can also be a high level of risk inherent online, especially for young people whose awareness of online safety can be severely limited; this makes them extremely vulnerable. They have the ability to be online 24 hours a day are can be exposed to people and circumstances which can be very harmful and which can have a negative impact on their lives.
Our unique SKILL DECISION MAKING MODEL is explained and utilised to enable young people to make step by step decisions
How can Life Skills courses help?
Here at Life Skills Education internet safety is addressed predominately in our 2-lesson module Web Warriors and is available for Key Stage 2 students. Young people are given facts and information which will help to raise their awareness of issues around keeping safe whilst they are online and about ensuring that their own behaviour is appropriate and legal. They will be taught how to make positive choices about their own online behaviour in relation to internet use.
As a part of the overall programme content of our Life Skills Primary programme, online safety is considered during classroom discussion when considering other issues e.g. hate crime and bullying.
There are a lot of places to find information on Internet Safety for Kids, here are some of the best
The NSPCC
It can be hard to keep track of what your child is doing on social networks, apps and games. Or know how to keep them safe. The NSPCC has bundles of resources.
Resources to help you use the internet safely and positively as a professional, and information to help safeguard your workplace and the young people you work with.
Children use the internet in different ways depending on their age and so we’ve developed checklists for parents that give you top tips on how to help them stay safe.
Supporting you to deliver education and raise awareness of online child abuse and exploitation. Search The Resource Library and view Thinkuknow resources.
