Schools across the UK are teaming up with the Information Commissioner’s Office for a national educational program about online safety. The “i in online” initiative aims to highlight the risks to youths online and provides free interactive training sessions for staff, parents, and children at secondary schools and youth clubs on how to best manage their online privacy. UK Information Commissioner Christopher Graham says, “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.”
Donaldon’s School in Linlithgow, Scotland is one of the participating schools. “For our pupils, who are deaf or have communications difficulties, the Internet is a lifeline,” said Donaldson’s head teacher, Mary O’Brien. “Because of its importance for them as a way of communication, it is vital that they are aware of the dangers as well as the benefits.”
Lagan College in Belfast will also participate. Its principal, Amanda McNamee, said she welcomes the initiative to help young people in their awareness of “every aspect of the Internet age they’re living in—it may be fun and educational but unfortunately it is not the safe space many think it is.”
