The global awareness day promotes online safety, providing advice and guidance on how to use technologies like social media safely.
To mark the day, the Welsh Labour Government has launched a new Online Safety Zone on the Hwb, the national digital learning platform for Wales. The dedicated area – developed to support teachers, parents and learners – will host news, articles and a range of resources on various online safety issues. It will also signpost those dealing with online bullying and other online safety issues towards appropriate support services.
A competition to design the logo for the new Online Safety Zone received more than 125 entries. Finalist schools include Model Church in Wales School, Carmarthen; Portfield Special School, Haverfordwest; and Ysgol Penrhyn-coch, Aberystwyth. Finalists have been invited to attend a special event at the Senedd today, where all the entries will be exhibited and education minister Kirsty Williams AM will announce the winning design.
Joyce Watson AM said: “The internet is a fantastic resource, a wonderful learning aid. Of course, it has its downsides and dark places too. Safer Internet Day is all about giving teachers, parents and children the knowledge and skills to use and enjoy being online safely.”
Congratulating the competition finalists, Joyce added:
“I am delighted the Assembly is celebrating the effort of Model School, Portfield and Ysgol Penrhyn-coch to promote the campaign – their success is well deserved.”
Eluned Morgan AM said: “We worry about online safety as parents and I’m pleased that the Welsh Labour Government are taking these concerns seriously.
“Today’s announcement of the new Online Safety Zone should really signpost parents and learners to the right advice. I’ll be passing on the message too when I visit schools in Mid and West Wales.”
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Caption: Assembly Members Joyce Watson and Eluned Morgan with Portfield School pupils t the National Assembly for Wales
In Wales, the Welsh Labour Government is committed to promoting the safe and positive use of technology to our children, young people, parents and teachers. The day offers the opportunity to raise awareness of what is happening in Wales to safeguard Welsh learners online and highlight responsible use of technology in schools, colleges and in the home.
Over the past year the Welsh Labour Government have significantly increased investment in online safety activities to £170,000 a year to deliver training to around 2,300 practitioners and increase take-up of the 360 degree safe Cymru tool amongst schools in Wales.
