Polegate schoolchildren learn internet safety with MP

Polegate Primary School has been running interactive assemblies as part of the Be Internet Legends programme, which educates children on how to stay safe online.

The programme, which is aimed at Key Stage 2 students and is part of Google and Parent Zone Online Safety, teaches children five key pillars to remember while online: to be sharp, alert, secure, kind and brave.

The delivery of the programmes have been adapted to be accessible online to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, making it easier for parents and children to continue learn from home.

Polegate MP Maria Caulfield joined one of the virtual assemblies and said the sessions ‘clearly’ have a positive impact on the children.

She said, “The internet is a fantastic resource for children of all ages to interactive with each other and learn almost anything within a few clicks.

“However, there is a much darker side to the internet that can see bullying and harassment from other children as well as adults. Having been the target of online bullying myself I can still only imagine how this must feel for a child.

“These Be Internet Legends sessions are brilliant and clearly have a positive impact on children, which I hope will make the internet a safer place for them and in turn other children.”

Mrs Caulfield praised Polegate Primary School for providing the sessions and encouraged other schools to take part.

The programme also consists of a free PSHE association accredited curriculum pack, a new teaching module on digital wellbeing, nationwide teacher training workshops, local professional roundtables, engaging family activities aimed at parents and the interactive assemblies for primary schools.

According to statistics, 83 per cent of primary school children said they would behave differently online as a result of Be Internet Legends, with over 60 per cent of schools engaging with the programme since March 2018.

A video clip of the assembly can be seen on Maria Caulfield’s website.

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