Did you know?
· That on average each internet user has 5 social media accounts
· 1.2 billion people log into Facebook daily
· Over 80 million photos are uploaded onto Instagram every day
· Over 60% of snapchat users have sent pictures of people they don’t even know
· Google processes over 40,000 searches per second
The internet is an incredible invention which has changed the world we live in. It has opened up opportunities for education, business and communication, however it is essential that we all learn how to protect ourselves and keep safe online.
Safer Internet Day (SID) is recognised each year in February and is supported by hundreds of organisations to promote the safe and responsible use of digital technology for young people around the world. The theme for this year is "Create, Connect and Share Respect. A better internet starts with you". The day aims to highlight and promote the positive uses of technology and explore the role we all play in helping create a safe online community.
Pupils enjoying Mr Jenkins eSafety lesson, 6th February 2018
In 2016 SID reached 2.8 million young people and 2.5 million parents. This year's SID is about the power of image and how we perceive others and portray ourselves on the internet. It is not only about recognising safer internet use on just the one day, it is about preparing people of all ages to use the internet safely in everyday life.
In a recent study, it was found that on average children under 18 years of age spend over 6 hours a day looking at screens or media devices with an average of 12 hours a week being on the internet. Safer Internet Day isn’t just about protecting children from dangers online, it is about protecting and teaching people of all ages how to enjoy using the internet whilst being aware of possible threats. This could be from the simple scams sent via email, unwanted messages or photographs from friends or strangers, hacking of personal information to extreme cases of grooming or harassment.
Raising awareness of Safer Internet Day is not about trying to scare you about the dangers online, but to educate you on how to remain safe. It is also about learning to enjoy using the internet for its positives, whilst being conscious that misuse can have negative long-term effects.
The eSafety Committee meets every half term to discuss all aspects of online activity, plan for SID, aiming to raise awareness and how to react to the ever-present new dangers in this dynamic area.
As one of the few schools in Norwich that signed up for Safer Internet Day, That's Tv Norfolk (formerly Mustard TV) came into the school to interview Mr Jenkins.
If you have any questions surrounding eSafety please contact: ajenkins@norwich-school.org.uk