The Wallace High School recently held an internet safety evening for parents of both its Prep Department and Grammar school. The innovative event was organised by the school’s ICT coordinator David Cleland and was well supported by parents who were keen to learn more about the ever changing technological world in which we live. Wallace has a area of their school website dedicated to internet safety and cyber bullying.
The evening began with an address from George Ellis from Lisburn PSNI who explained the work which is carried out by community police officers in schools across Northern Ireland during tutorial classes in schools. The CEOP programme covers all four key stages and is a U.K. government agency.
Wallace parents had the opportunity to see the very thought provoking presentation “Think U Know” which has been prepared by the Child Exploitation Online Protection Unit before George went on to explain the work of the Virtual Global Taskforce.
The second speaker of the evening was Kellie Turtle from Childline NI who also took time to explain the work which the charity is currently undertaking in local schools.
Parents then heard from Peter Salters from the PSNI’s E Crime Unit who outlined the work of the high tech unit and offered invaluable guidance to all those present.
ICT coordinator David Cleland commented, “All our staff have been trained in CEOP and our Year 9 pupils are currently undertaking the CEOP tutorial. There are of course many positive aspects to the internet, with the educational benefits of the digital age revolutionising our learning and teaching here in Wallace. However it is vital that our students and their parents are aware of the risks of sharing their personal information online on the likes of social networking websites”
Principal of Wallace, Mrs Anne McBride, concluded, “It is so important that parents understand the ease with which their young people use the internet to keep contact with their friends, but also that they and their children are also aware of the need for caution. We were delighted that our speakers were willing to share their expertise and advice on these crucial matters.”
Links:
Internet Safety Resources
Last modified: November 20, 2008
