Safer Internet Day 2012

Schools across the United Kingdom today marked Safer Internet Day 2012 to tackle uninhibited online attitudes that leave children increasingly vulnerable to cyber bullying, abusive gamers, identity theft and malicious threats. 19 (ISC)² Safe and Secure Online volunteers are out in force today, visiting children and parents in schools across the UK, including South Wales, Kent, Cumbria, Worcester and Teesside. More than 4,000 children will be taking part.

As part of their effort, volunteers survey children and encourage discussion of both risks and behavioural concerns. For example, over 1,500 10-12 year olds in the London area recently revealed that most (65 percent) use the Internet every day, with 50 percent of children reported being online after 10 pm on school nights. The survey confirms widespread flouting of age limits, with 63 percent of the 10 to 12 year olds using the social networking site Facebook, despite the requirement to be at least 13 years of age to join. Further, 33 percent of kids admit to participating in online gaming every day, with 70 percent playing 18 year old-rated games. A significant number are putting themselves in physical danger, as 10 percent admitted they have met an online friend in person, with 28 percent of them going to meet the friend on their own.

The (ISC)² Safe and Secure programme is vitally important to us, just like sex and relationships education, drugs education and anti-smoking education, this programme informs young people of common dangers they may face. It is important that we do everything we can to educate children and parents alike on the necessary safeguards required in the online world.
- Stuart Kerner, assistant vice principal, Bexleyheath Academy, in Kent.

Parents remain oblivious to some of the abuse children are exposed to as they, for example, play with adults in the most popular online games, some of these games are so realistic that the hand-held units vibrate to simulate bones breaking. The teachers in schools react with shock as they learn about the late night activity and they are concerned that children are coming to lessons tired.
- (ISC)² Safe and Secure Online coordinating volunteer Tim Wilson, a certified security professional working with the NHS and former school governor at Bexleyheath Academy in Kent.

As the Internet and social networking become increasingly powerful influences upon the lives of young people, it is important to ensure that they know how to protect themselves from potential dangers. Safer Internet Day reinforces this issue in a proactive way by providing an environment to discuss the dangers of Internet use with an expert and the strategies that they can use to stay safe. We value the contribution that Safer Internet Day and (ISC)² make to ensure the safety of students in our care.
- David Potts, assistant principal, Stourport High School and VIth Form Centre in Worcestershire

Being empowered to use the Internet safely and effectively is crucial in everyday life. The support received from the ‘(ISC)² Safe and Secure Online’ has been very beneficial to our E-Safety programme, bringing in presentations and workshops from respected experts and providing support material for our pupils. It is really important that we continue to foster these partnerships to provide the best possible opportunities for our pupils.
- Sue Dye, Leader of ICT Arnold Academy in Bedfordshire.

The (ISC)² Safe and Secure Online programme is a global initiative designed to teach children from the age of seven how to protect themselves and their online world. The programme was developed with the support of Childnet International, one of three charitable organisations who work in partnership to manage The UK Safer Internet Centre, www.saferinternet.org.uk, and co-ordinate the array of activities across the UK for Safer Internet Day 2012. (ISC)² is supporting Safer Internet Day with interactive sessions for children and parents across the UK, highlighting not just the risks, but the behavioural concerns that are leading to trouble. 

As an outstanding Specialist Technology College, we take seriously our responsibility for ensuring the safety of our young people. We are an outward-facing school and have established strong links with local, regional, national and international communities. Many of these links rely heavily on the use of internet technology. We are delighted to take part in the Safer Internet Day, whose focus is connecting generations and educating each other. This is particularly important in an ever changing, digital world.
- Rob Atkin, Network Technology Manager, Bydales School, a Specialist Technology College in Northumbria.

Safer Internet Day is celebrated worldwide, and this year it provides an opportunity to encourage users young and old to discover the digital world together safely. The (ISC)² Safe and Secure Online program is available to schools, community and youth groups year-round. It is managed by the charitable arm of (ISC)², The (ISC)² Foundation, created to help the 80,000 professionally certified (ISC)² members make the cyber world a safer place through education and awareness in the community. Volunteer professionals, responsible for information security in banking, retail, telecommunications and other sectors, are equipped to share their first-hand knowledge in face-to-face sessions that make the subject come alive for children and their parents.