PUPILS from St Cyres School learnt about the dangers of putting private information online during a Safer Internet Day workshop earlier this morning.

Pupils were asked questions about what they thought was good and bad about the internet as they discussed how to make the internet safer.

They also watched a video highlighting the dangers of putting too much personal information online, were told how to report abuse if they were the victims of online bullying and were given advice about how to change their privacy settings on social networking sites so not everything they put online was public.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, AM Ken Skates visited the school as the Welsh Government joined forces with schools, charities, police forces and the UK Safer Internet Centre to promote Safer Internet Day.

Today, February 11, is the eleventh annual Safer Internet Day. The theme for 2014 is ‘Let’s create a better internet together’.

Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, and recognised globally in over a hundred countries, the day provides a platform to celebrate digital creativity and to encourage the safe, responsible use of technology.

The Welsh Government has organised a series of events with schools across Wales to promote Safer Internet Day, supported by Welsh Government Digital Leaders, and is encouraging children and young people across Wales to investigate online safety by using a variety of digital, creative methods such as filming, photography and blogging.

During Mr Skates’ visit to St Cyres pupils filmed the discussion session and will use the footage as part of a video on e-safety. This will be hosted on the e-safety section of the Welsh Government’s Hwb website.

As well as visiting St Cyres School Assembly Member Ken Skates also went to Cogan Primary School to teach youngsters about the dangers of the internet.

“We are investing very heavily in learning in digital Wales and part and parcel of that is ensuring that young people can exploit the enormous potential of the internet for their learning but that they’re also very aware of its potential risks,” he said.

“For most young people, using digital technology is now second nature. It’s our responsibility to encourage them to create and innovate but also ensure they know how they can do this safely and responsibly.

“That’s why we’re encouraging learners to think about how they can improve the way they use the internet and the steps they can take to protect themselves online

St Cyres assistant head teacher Mr Peter Lewis said it was important that youngsters understood the risks of putting personal information online.

“We talk about internet safety as it’s a very important part of their education.

“Today is about raising awareness about it and hopefully they will pass it on to all their friends.”

He added that the rise in applications such as snap chat, where users send pictures that last for only a few seconds but can still be saved, meant that it was difficult for teachers to keep on top of the latest trends.

“The world is always changing and its part of one of the modern challenges.”