SCHOOLCHILDREN in the Isle of Man have been learning about how to keep themselves safe whilst using the internet.
Today (Tuesday) is Safer Internet Day – a nationwide campaign, organised by Insafe, which promotes responsible use of online technology.
This year's theme is "connecting generations and educating each other" and children, and their parents, across the Island are being encouraged to think about the three Cs – content, conduct and contact.
Julie Wilsdon, advisory teacher for Information Communication Technology (ICT) with the Department of Education and Children, said the department is working with local internet service providers (ISPs) and the police.
She explained: "The Department of Education and Children supports schools in developing their e-safety guidance and curriculum. We have online resources and are working with the police and ISPs to deliver a clear and concise message about e-safety.
"The internet offers excellent opportunities for learning, global exploration and socialising. The development of web 2.0 technologies means that we are no longer passive viewers of websites but can interact, post comments, create profiles and play interactive games.
"The internet can influence young people in a beneficial or harmful way and schools and families can play a crucial part in managing those risks."
Pupils and parents have been urged to consider the following advice:
Conduct – remember that some people might not be who they say they are. Keep personal information, including passwords, safe. Observe age limits on social networking sites, look at privacy settings and be careful what you post. Remember your digital footprint could last forever.
Content – what are children viewing? They should exercise caution over nasty or unwanted emails or reading or forwarding content that might cause offence. Beware of illegal or violent sites. Don’t accept spam and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Contact – children shouldn’t pass on or reply to rude or upsetting messages and should tell a trusted adult if they feel uneasy about a message or approach they receive. Never agree to meet anyone you only know from the internet.
Julie continued: "In the lead up to and on Safer Internet Day some schools are working with parents to develop e-safety tips for families and are running parents' meetings to share and discuss the key elements of e-safety and show some excellent videos that illustrate some of the real dangers of the internet.
"This week is about highlighting to children and families that the internet is a wonderful way to explore the world and learn but poses very real dangers that we all need to be aware of."
For more information on Safer Internet Day visit www.saferinternet.org.
