Results of London e-safety survey published. Plus, new training on protecting children online.
The London Grid for Learning (LGfL) has recently published the results of the London e-safety survey on 17,000 children. The survey was triggered by the blatant and highly significant change in the way children and young people access and consume online media in comparison to earlier studies of the same age groups.
The main conclusions of the survey were:
- the majority of children enjoy using the internet and have little concerns
- a child's home is where they have most online access and face risks, and this will only increase with widening smartphone access
- online bullying is their most significant worry when using the internet
- gender stereotypes are at their strongest online
- boys are as much at risk as girls
- parents' awareness and knowledge of the internet is very important, as is teachers'
- schools should embed an e-safety course throughout all year groups, and ensure children know how to report concerns
- schools should keep parents and carers advised on e-safety at home
- do not assume that risks increase with age.
Tanya Byron's analogy of swimming to a child's use of the internet (above) contextualises the need for a greater awareness of e-safety, rather than 'e-blocking'. The results of the LGfL's latest survey should also encourage schools and parents to ensure protective strategies and education are in place, rather than technology that simply hides unwanted content.
EduCare's new Child Exploitation & Online Safety training aims to bring you up-to-date on how children and young people use technology and the associated risks. It also provides the essential information to help protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.
The training covers:
- how technology is changing and its effects
- information about children's online world
- the risks of technology
- child sexual exploitation: what is it and what are the warning signs
- what we can do as teachers and parents
- advice for schools and colleges
- guidance on what Ofsted are looking for in their inspection of e-safety
- what is expected of schools and colleges
- the role and responsibilities of the e-safety Officer.
The course has been designed in the style of a range of social platforms and websites to ensure learners are familiar with the online world children and young people are so accustomed to.
Child Exploitation & Online Safety is priced at £26 per learner, with bulk discounts available.
