In our digital globe, technology now sits at the centre of children’s learning and social activity. The internet is full of great opportunities – from online learning environments, to social media and gaming – however, there are some risks associated with internet use. Because of this, digital literacy and online safety, have become a key part of learning in education today in the UK.
This blog looks to explore what technology safety actually means, why it is important, and how UK schools and parents can help children safely and responsibly navigate the reality of online life.
What Does Digital Literacy Mean?
Digital literacy extends beyond just knowing how to operate a computer or mobile device. It focuses on knowing how to:
- Locate and evaluate information on the internet,
- Interact with people appropriately in the digital space,
- Safeguard personal data and privacy,
- Identify misinformation and online fraud.
Digital literacy is an essential aspect of the Computing curriculum in UK schools in which students are taught about the digital world of safety, digital communication, and ethical use of digital technology.
Why It is Important to be Safe with Technology
The internet is an exceptional educational resource, but it also exposes children to:
- Cyberbullying
- Online predators
- Offensive material
- Data privacy concerns
- Scams and false information.
By teaching children to recognize and respond to these threats, we help them behave confidently and independently online.
How UK Schools Promote Online Safety
Legal under Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, schools across the UK are legally required to protect children from harm online; here are a few methods that they’re often using:
- Online safety lessons: Cover topics like cyberbullying, online reputation, and online safety with social media.
- Filtered networks: Block harmful websites and monitor children’s activity.
- Assemblies/workshops: Schools invite guest speakers or community police officers to provide children with presentations on the topic of being safe online.
- Engaging parents: Schools provide parents with guides and workshops to help parents provide a safe online space for children in the home.
Many online safety resources, such as Childnet International, the UK Safer Internet Centre, and Thinkuknow, just to name a few, provide the opportunity to access age-appropriate materials and games to help children learn about staying safe while online.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Parents are building blocks in contributing to their child’s digital resilience. Here are some useful ideas:
- Enable parental controls on devices and Wi-Fi that will prevent your child from accessing inappropriate content.
- Communicate openly with your child about online experiences – ensure your child will feel comfortable discussing any concerns.
- Teach them about password safety, and explain how private information should never be shared online.
- Help them think critically when looking at online news or messages.
- Be an example of good behaviour since children usually mimic adults.
The Importance of Social Media Awareness
Social media is able to connect us and educate us, but it can also bring challenges, such as peer pressure, comparison, and loss of privacy. Students are typically taught by schools about the importance of managing their digital footprint – an understanding that whatever they post on the internet could potentially influence some future aspect of their education or even employment.
Encouraging children to think before they post on the internet, is certainly one of the most meaningful lessons for them in relation to safety.
UK Government & Educational Schools
The UK government is supporting a number of initiatives that help further online safety, and develop digital literacy, including:
- Education for a Connected World Framework – outlines a set of learning outcomes for online safety.
- Safer Internet Day (February each year) – encourages users to be responsible online.
- Ofsted inspection framework – which entails checks on how schools safeguard and protect pupils from online risks.
All initiatives are essential in ensuring that every child, who has the opportunity to, receives the permission to learn, act responsibly and confidently, and to care about the impact of the internet in their life.
Final Thoughts
In an environment where screens are omnipresent, digital literacy and safe use of technology are as relevant to life as reading and writing. Through partnership with schools, parents, and communities, children in the UK can engage as responsible digital citizens – informed, safe, and prepared for the future.