Plympton pupils take part in International Safer Internet Day

Students from Ridgeway School have taken part in a day to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology.

The International Safer Internet Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries and is in its thirteenth year. This year’s theme was ‘play your part for a better internet’.

Running up to the day students got involved in a number of activities to help to inspire them to make the internet a kind, inclusive and respectful place to be. From special assemblies, lunchtime TV clubs, social media privacy clinics and competitions, students have had the opportunity to learn more about how to stay safe online.

They also took part in the Have a Heart competition. The students were asked to think about how they could play their part in making the internet better and come up with some inspirational quotes.

The winner was Eryn Bagwell. The 14 year old student said, “With the theme this year being ‘play your part for a better internet’, it made me think of the people who get upset by things they see and read online. Because of this I thought of the word Buddy as it rhymed with Bully and it is the complete opposite and is catchy to remember. It just popped into my head!”

The schools’ BBC School Report news team also got involved and interviewed the Head of the Emerging Technologies Faculty, Jeanne-Marie Madderson and helped to choose the winner of the Have a Heart competition.

Jeanne-Marie Madderson told the news team, “The Internet is something we all use in almost every area of our lives now. More and more students are creating an online presence and are not always aware of the dangers this can cause, not just to themselves but to their computer and personal data too.

“They need to be aware of how to spot phishing scams and malware, how to keep their personal information secure and how to report anything they see or hear that makes them feel uncomfortable or suspicious.”

Principal of Ridgway School Lisa Boorman said, “Although our students are very technologically savvy, many are unaware that prospective employers and higher education providers now routinely search for the social presence of potential candidates to try to get a true picture of the type of person they are. Our job is to ensure that our students promote themselves in safe, mature and positive manner.”