International Safer Internet Day 2022

Exploring Respect and Relationships Online

International Safer Internet Day takes place on 8th February 2022 with the theme 'All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’.

UK Safer Internet Centre says:

"From gaming and chat, to streaming and video, young people are shaping the interactive entertainment spaces they are a part of. Safer Internet Day 2022 celebrates young people’s role in creating a safer internet, whether that is whilst gaming and creating content, or interacting with their friends and peers."

Safer Internet Day is especially prevalent this year as a large portion of Ofsted's review of sexual abuse in schools addressed the issue of online abuse, sexting and the influence of social media. It is important to educate young people about these dangers and the impact they can have on the lives of the people around them so that cyberbullying and online sexual harassment is prevented.

Teaching about online safety

Online safety is a key issue for all schools and academies and can impact all aspects of school life. Teachers and parents play a key role in helping children and young people learn about how to stay safe online.

This can be achieved through:

  • Embedding online safety across the curriculum;
  • Having a framework of effective policies e.g. cyberbullying and online safety policies;
  • Having a clear route for reporting online concerns like cyberbullying and sexual abuse;
  • Encouraging staff to protect their own online reputation, especially when using social networking sites; and
  • Teaching pupils how to behave online and when using social media.

Saferinternet.org.uk have a range of teaching resources for lesson planning here and lots of tools and guidance to help schools generate their own online safety policy here.

NEU also has a free model policy for online safety available here.