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Parents seek advice from
teachers to keep their kids safe online in Liverpool
3 in 10 teachers have given advice to
parents about internet safety, as new research by BT and Unicef UK reveals that
all teachers in Liverpool questioned in the survey said that:- "internet
safety is an issue facing children in schools today."
Liverpool teachers' biggest concern for their pupils is cyber bullying (70%).
This is also the most frequent popular internet safety discussion parents have
with teachers (67%) in Liverpool.
The research found that whilst the majority of parents worry about their
children accessing inappropriate content online (54 %), more than ? (56%) of
parents in the Liverpool allow their children to play on their computers
unsupervised. Most parents (86%) in the City have discussed internet safety with
their children and of those that haven't, 50% say they haven't because they
trust them, but a ⅓ (33%) say it's because their child knows more about the
internet than they do.
BT and Unicef UK have partnered for a 3 year programme:- 'The Right Click:
Internet Safety Matters,' where they host workshops on internet safety
in schools. The programme is designed to help children, their families and
teachers to use the internet safely and create a forum for open conversations
about why and how.
Former JLS member, now farmer and The Right Click supporter, JB Gill, said:-
"It's not surprising that teachers play a pivotal role for both parents and
children when learning about staying safe online. Technology is changing every
day, and teachers play a big part in educating children on the internet. It can
be a scary place if children and parents don't know how to protect themselves,
and I'm in full support of the Right Click workshops. As a parent myself, I'm
glad to hear the results of the research show that teachers are already talking
to parents and children about internet safety and, if we can encourage everyone
to talk more and be even more open through these workshops, then the internet
world will be a safer place for children."
Pete Oliver, commercial and marketing director, BT Consumer, said:- "The
internet is a powerful tool, especially for children. The time children are
spending online is continuing to grow, particularly with children aged 8 to 111.
This can be daunting for parents that aren't necessarily digital savvy and most
parents (94%) have worries about their children online. However, with the right
knowledge, communication and parental controls in place, we can all ensure that
the internet can be a safe place."
So far, 9,866 children, parents and teachers have taken part in the workshops at
Unicef UK's Rights Respecting Schools, which put the UN Convention on the Rights
of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of their policies and practice. As a result, 9
out of 10 parents say they will talk to their child more about online safety.
Almost all parents (96%) that attended the workshops now feel knowledgeable
about the internet and 98% are now aware of the risks their children may face. 9
out of 10 parents are now also confident that their children are safer online.
The workshops are also valued by children, with 75% saying they would talk to a
trusted adult about staying safe online and around 90% saying they would now
tell an adult they trusted if something upset them online.
Catherine Cottrell, Unicef UK Deputy Executive Director, said:- "We're
working with schools across the country to create safe and inspiring places to
learn, where children are respected and their rights are protected. 'The Right
Click - Internet Safety Matters Workshops' empower children to become confident
and responsible digital citizens, enabling them to enjoy the enormous benefits
that the internet has to offer, with the help of parents and teachers."
The workshops also work to equip teachers and parents with the skills needed to
help children to use the internet safely.
They are encouraged to discuss online safety
openly with children.
Since the launch of the BT and Unicef UK partnership in March 2014, 80 schools
in disadvantaged areas have also been invited to join Unicef UK's Rights
Respecting School programme, as a direct result of BT funding. These schools who
have been selected from areas across the UK including:- Liverpool, Glasgow, East
Kent and Merthyr Tydfil; are provided with training, support visits and teaching
resources, to help them embed children's rights into their schools' ethos and
culture. |
