Digital Citizenship and Safer Internet Day
One thing that is certainly true about teaching is that each day is different from the one before - and sometimes one's plans go right out the window because a "teachable moment" presents itself. Suddenly, the conditions are perfect to address a topic, skill or concept in a meaningful context. As a teacher or school leader, you cannot let such moments pass you (and your students) by.
This week, we discovered that some of our students have been making some unsafe choices when using our Google for Education tools on their Chromebooks. As we spoke with the children, it became apparent that our students needed some reminders about safe and ethical choices when working online. Although it was not on my calendar at the start of the week, we have used this episode to plan and schedule lessons for the coming weeks to remind children across the school about the things they can do to keep themselves and others safe. I will add more information about these things in the coming weeks, so please check back here for details.
It just so happens that Tuesday, 11 February 2024, was Safer Internet Day in the UK. Started over 20 years ago, this annual event is currently recognised and celebrated in 180 countries and territories worldwide. Each year, Safer Internet Day highlights a theme related to online safety; this year, the theme is “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online.” The following tips come directly from the Safer Internet Day website:
This Safer Internet Day we are starting a conversation about how to spot, respond to and report all types of scams online. Scams can take many forms and may target anyone, including young people. Use these top tips to keep you and your loved ones safe online.
The internet is amazing and can help us all to access information and entertainment. Spend time online with your child to understand how they are using technology and talk together about the good and the bad parts of being online. Talk about your own experiences and find other opportunities to get the conversation started, like stories in the news. Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything that they see or experience online.
“It just seems too good to be true!” – Other common signs of a scam include contact that you weren’t expecting or being asked for money or personal information (think: bank or contact details, passwords, or phone numbers). Scammers use other tactics to manipulate their victims into paying, like playing with your emotions, or building a sense of urgency so you are rushed into making a decision. If you aren’t sure it’s reliable, don’t risk it.
Scammers are good at what they do and will target anyone. We all need to stay vigilant and support those who are most vulnerable including children and the elderly by helping them recognise what to look out for. If anyone in your family has been scammed, talk openly about it. There should be no shame in being victim to a scam and it’s never your fault.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam online, you’re not on your own. Help is available and you are not to blame for what has happened. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101. You may also be able to report via social media, if the scam has taken place there or to another relevant organisation, like your bank, if you think your account is at risk. Remember, if you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
Whatever your family’s rules are for accessing the internet while at home, please take some time to review the suggestions and resources provided by the Safer Internet Day website. There is much to consider, and the website provides you with plenty of food for thought while also offering helpful tools and activities to help you make space for important conversations with your children.
The Safer Internet Day website also provides these additional tips for parents/carers of 3 to 7 year olds:
Spending time online together with family is an important learning experience for the youngest internet users. Not only will you both enjoy the quality time together, but you can supervise their usage and guide them to make the safest choices.
Help give your child the language to explain what they’re experiencing online by starting conversations about the internet and technology as early as possible. Talking regularly about what they love doing online, as well as any worries they may have , will help establish this habit and mean they’re more likely to come to you for help as they get older.
Parental controls and other safety settings can help protect your child from online harms, including scams. To avoid any nasty surprises on your bank statement, make sure in-app purchases or new downloads require a passcode, and don’t set card details to autofill on devices your child has access to.
If your child is too young to understand what fraud is, you can still lay the groundwork to help them stay safe online as they grow. Start simple and talk about the difference between real and make believe. Help them recognise that not everything online is true and that some things they see or hear could be stories, jokes or tricks.
The most important thing for your child to know is that you are always there to support them, online and offline. Encourage them to talk to you if anything they experience makes them feel worried or upset, and show them they can trust you to stay calm, listen and help make things better.
Last year’s theme was “Together for a better internet”. The following tips come directly from the Safer Internet Day website and remain good advice a year on:
* Make space for regular conversations about life online. Talk openly and frequently about what you are doing online and encourage your child to do the same. Talk about the positive experiences you can have online, share what you have done when you have come across content you did not want to, and how you dealt with the situation.
* Make space for enjoying and exploring the online world together! Play games, watch videos, and express an interest in your child’s online life. Celebrate all the opportunities that technology has to offer, and show them what a great space the internet can be when used responsibly.
* Make space for working as a family to agree expectations for going online. Talk to your family about the role technology plays in your lives. Establish rules and expectations that encourage meaningful use of technology, in the same way you set boundaries in other areas of your children’s lives. It’s important to review these regularly and adapt them for each member of your family.
* Make space for learning about the apps, games and websites your child is using. There are lots of tools and guides to support you with keeping your child safe on whatever apps, games and websites they are using. Research age ratings, privacy settings and safety features (like the block and report button) so that you are best placed to help your child should anything go wrong.
* Make space for supporting and reassuring your child if things go wrong. Remind your child they can talk to you about anything. If something goes wrong, listen and respond with reassurance and kindness and stay calm. Work with your child to find solutions to the problem, perhaps by using the block and report tools or seeking advice from your child’s school.
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