I recently attended and spoke at an assembly at Boothville Primary School as part of a new initiative called Be Internet Legends.
The ‘Be Internet Legends’ programme is run as a joint venture by Google and Parent Zone, and is designed to help 7-11 year-old children become safer and more confident explorers of the online world. The programme includes a free curriculum pack, nationwide teacher training workshops, engaging family activities and a series of fun, interactive assemblies.
Keeping children safe online is obviously very important for parents and teachers and for the government alike. I am impressed with the success of this programme: since launching in March 2018, over 70% of UK primary schools have engaged with the programme. Furthermore, an independent evaluation last year by Ipsos Mori demonstrated the significant positive impact of Be Internet Legends: following the training, children are twice as likely to show an improved understanding of internet safety than those who have not received the training.
This government has committed to making the internet a safer place for everyone through the Online Safety Bill. In this Bill, currently passing through the House of Commons, platforms likely to be accessed by children will need to:
· prevent access to material that is harmful for children.
· ensure there are strong protections from activity which is harmful to children, which is expected to include harms such as bullying.
If a child does encounter harmful content or activity, parents and children will be able to report it easily. Platforms will be required to take appropriate action in response.
(Photo: Michael Ellis MP speaking to children at an assembly about internet safety at Boothville Primary School)