“Let’s create a better internet together”.
Safer Internet Day in the UK is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre which works domestically and internationally to help make the internet a safer place for children and young people and to help them use interactive technologies responsibly. They also provide information and practical advice for parents and professionals who work with children.
We at the British School Warsaw take internet safety very seriously. We encourage our students to exploit the educational aspect of the internet but also believe that internet safety is a crucial element of the curriculum and an essential part of young people’s development. This week we have focused our tutor time sessions on internet safety and the students have learned some valuable lessons about using the internet responsibly.
The most important message that emerged this week was that if we use the internet we leave a digital footprint. Unlike a footprint in the sand, a digital footprint cannot be erased. Our digital footprint is permanent and available to anyone and everyone. These footprints can be perceived positively or negatively and for young people this may have a longer term impact on their online reputation, well-being and future career prospects.
On Tuesday we were very pleased to welcome Marta Kowalska, Managing Editor for Elle.pl and Igor Nowiński, Managing Editor for Gala.pl to give us a presentation on digital footprints to the students in Years 7-9. It was a most informative presentation and reminded the students about the impact the comments and photos they post online can have. Marta reminded us that any photos she, as an editor, finds on line she can use. No permissions required. Food for thought indeed.
Further information can be found at:
www.saferinternet.org.uk
www.saferinternetday.org.uk
www.childnet.com
I would especially like to thank Margaret Ann Dowling for putting us in contact with our speakers.
Alison Fox. Team Leader Year 7