Safer Internet Day 2022

The Computer Studies Department has been highlighting to pupils the importance of keeping safe online as part of Safer Internet Day, which took place on Tuesday 8 February.

In computing and cyber skills lessons, pupils from all year groups have been exploring this year's theme, ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’.

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.

In Year 8 cyber skills lessons, pupils have been creating infographics to highlight how to stay safe when socialising with other people online and what to do about cyber bullying. Here are a couple of brilliant examples by Josh Z and Harry M:

In Year 9 Nico Mascaro-Madera, Theo Stalder, Charlie Rees have been planning an app where they can report scam email addresses and websites, and check if they are legitimate.

Year 10s have also been discussing the impact of parental controls, sexting and porn.

Head of Computer Studies and Director of Digital Strategy, Dr Lays Valim, said: "Our younger generation has been born into a connected world and they are exposed to a lot on the internet.

"It is our duty as educators to ensure that our students are prepared so they can develop healthy habits and feel safe in the digital world.

"Learning what is acceptable and healthy online and knowing what the red flags are and how to deal with those situations is really important.

"Lots of this is discussed and taught in our weekly cyber skills lessons from Year 7. We celebrate Safer Internet Day at Shiplake to make sure those conversations continue."