Pupils learn how to besafer on the internet

The morning was devoted to activities and discussions around internet safety and communication, and each year group had different activities planned.

For example, years 5 and 6 looked at the impact of social media on people’s self-esteem, as well as a look at the development of communication technologies and the challenges to privacy faced by them.

Our younger pupils held a Philosophy for Children discussion on the impact of online comments and how they make people feel.

All classes also looked at PEGI ratings and held discussions on the content in video games and why they are rated as they are.

There was much lively debate regarding the suitability of some games!

As you can see, this impacted many of our children quite profoundly.

We also have an e-safety team of pupils called the e-Cadets who were heavily involved in leading and assisting these activities.

In the afternoon all classes were given time to design a mouse mat based on what they had learned throughout the morning.

We asked for the top three entries from each class to be provided to the e-Cadets.

The following day, they then decided on the winning entry from each class.

There were a few other entries by children who provided extra effort, resulting in 22 designs that will now be made into mouse mats to be used in school.

Each pupil will also receive their own copy to take home.

All in all I gave out 36 certificates during the assembly on the Friday, in which we announced the winners.

n Safer Internet Day took place on February 9.

Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre the event saw hundreds of organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

The day offered the opportunity to highlight positive uses of technology and to explore the role we all play in helping to create a better and safer online community.

Globally, Safer Internet Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries, coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe.

Hundreds of people supported the #SID2016 social media campaign to play your part and #shareaheart.