Livestream for parents in London to help children stay safe online
Six out of 10 children say they want to learn how to be safer online
Last updated 8th Feb 2022
With more than six in ten young people wanting to learn more about playing online games safely, a live stream from London is trying to help as part of today’s ‘Safer Internet Day’
The day takes place globally in February each year, to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people and inspire a national conversation.
A livestream will take place at 11am from London’s BT tower to help parents and children stay safe online and will be available to watch after.
Safer Internet Day 2022
This year’s theme is ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’.
The day aims to bring together young people, schools, and organisations to talk openly and honestly about online safety and trust online.
Organisations are joining young people in conversation alongside hosting events, Liverpool FC are just one showing their support.
Supporters, stakeholders from the internet industry, government, charities, police are also encouraged to get involved and share their plans to take action.
Director of UK Safer Internet Centre Will Gardner tells us, “The day offers the opportunity to explore the role we all play in helping to create a better and safer online community.”
Many children and young people spent more time playing games during the pandemic, leaving them exposed to specific challenges within online games.
“We chose this year’s theme as we felt there was a need for better education, open conversations, and accessible knowledge when playing and connecting online”, Will says.
What will be discussed?
- The impact and reach of Safer Internet Day in the UK
- The importance of the theme, and sharing latest research
- Young people’s thoughts on this year’s theme and strategies used to build respectful relationships and communication online.
- Young people will discuss why making online games and interactive spaces safer is important and how unkind interactions impact their wellbeing.
- A Youth Panel Discussion involving four young people discussing the impact of safe and positive gaming experiences on their identity, wellbeing, and sense of community.
- They will consider the importance of gaming and interactive online spaces during the pandemic.
- Organisations, policy, and decision makers will attend, with input from speakers, government, industry and the UK Safer Internet Centre.
Listening to young people
Research conducted by UK Safer Internet Centre found 48% of young people say if they couldn't game online anymore, they would feel like they've lost a part of who they are.
Playing games online has helped 61% of young people spend more time with friends virtually than they have done in real life.
While almost six in 10 young people (59%) want to learn more about how to play online games safely.
Will Gardner says, “Young people have given us a clear message. We need to listen and take responsibility to support them so they can understand how to safely enjoy online games.”
What can be done?
The industry plays a huge part in building a better internet and prioritising safety online.
“It is important that all online services provide easy-to-use and effective safety tools, privacy settings, and clear choices around save navigation”, Will says.
He adds, “We all have a responsibility to help everyone on the internet understand and educate ourselves on the challenges for young people within online games.
“Whether that’s parents, carers, schools, industry, government, and even young people themselves. Safer Internet Day shows what a positive impact we can have when we unite behind this shared goal.”
London Schools
Schools across London are taking part and celebrating the day. A Primary School in Wandsworth is passionate about continuing online safety education all year round. The school have built online safety into their computing and RSE curriculum and provide parent with guides and support when modelling appropriate internet usage.
Assistant Headteacher Mr Sousa says: “Online safety has a huge impact on children's mental health and wellbeing. If we get the teaching and modelling of online safety right while they are younger, we can have a positive impact on children's wellbeing long into their adulthood.
He adds, “Children are accessing internet enabled devices from a much younger age in today's society, both in and out of school, so in order to keep them safe, we need to act.”