Pupils learn to be safe online (From Penarth Times)

Pupils learn to be safe online

8:40am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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STANWELL School in Penarth has joined forces with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to teach children how to stay safe online.

The link-up is part of a new national initiative called the ‘i in online’, which officially launched on Data Protection Day 2010 (January 28).

The ICO is providing information and advice to pupils at Stanwell, to highlight the risks young people take online and provide guidance on how they can use their personal information safely. Stanwell Headteacher Malcolm Parker said: “We welcome this initiative and want young people to be aware of every aspect of the internet.

"It can be informative but unfortunately it is not the safe space that many think it is.”

Anne Jones, Assistant Commissioner at the ICO said: “Everyday many young people are posting details about themselves online, but very few of them are aware that the more information you put online, the greater the risk of it falling into the wrong hands.

"For example, a date of birth, address and full name would enable fraudsters to steal someone’s identity.

“This campaign gives us a unique opportunity to reach an important group of people to provide them with simple, user-friendly advice in a manner and environment familiar to them.”

The ‘i in online’ initiative, spearheaded by law firm Speechly Bircham, provides secondary schools and youth clubs across the UK with free interactive training sessions developed for staff, parents and children to provide advice on how best to manage online privacy.

For further information about the ‘i in online’ campaign visit www.ico.gov.uk

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