Don’t accept skins from strangers!

From the moment kids start using the internet, schools introduce them to the basics: don’t share personal information, keep passwords private, and always be kind online. As they get older, these lessons evolve into more serious topics like spotting scams, handling cyberbullying, and knowing when to take a break from screens. The goal is to help children build good online habits that will stick with them for life.

But being honest—kids don’t want to sit through a boring lesson about internet safety.  I don’t think us teachers really want to teach it! The only thing I can think of that’s worse is watching Liverpool play!  But fortunately, days like Safer Internet Day is a big event that is packed with fun activities like quizzes, debates, and even role-playing tricky online scenarios that can help make the learning interactive and interesting, meaning the more likely kids are to remember it.

Online gaming is an area where there can be many potential risks.  With so many children playing online games like Fortnite and Roblox, so often there is a risk of talking to someone who is not who they actually say they are.  The world of chatting online has come a long way since the days of MSN messenger (if you’re old enough to remember that!)  Nowadays, if someone online claims they’re a millionaire gamer who just wants to gift you free skins on a popular online game, then I can easily predict that 9 times out of 10, some of my students will say yes.  This gives people a way in, a way to easily build a level of trust that can be used to possibly scam those easily scammed.  We as schools can help make sure kids know how to report suspicious behaviour and remind them that it’s always okay to say ‘no’ and leave a conversation that feels off or seems too good to be true.

Another thing we do is to empower parents to play a huge role in e-safety too. Dialogue is key.  We encourage dialogue, we run information sessions for families or send home guides on managing online risks. By working together, schools and parents create a strong team to help kids navigate the digital world safely.  The golden rule when dealing with anything e-safety needs to be that if feels dodgy, it probably is and you should stop what you are doing as soon as possible.

Our students are growing up in a digital age where everything is literally at the touch of a button, in the palm of their hands.  It is a totally different minefield than one we had to grow up in.  As technology changes, our approach to being safe online must adapt too.  Knowing what is out there is half the battle, I think.  It’s essential that we educate ourselves as to what children are exposed to, whether that be in school or at home.

The goal is to make e-safety part of a daily conversation where reminders are frequent and accessible.  At the end of the day, our intention – with all subjects – is to educate.  Educate our students to not be scared of the internet. Instead, teach them by giving them the tools and confidence to use it wisely. By teaching important skills, making lessons engaging, and working closely with families, we can ensure that children can explore the online world safely and responsibly.