Module 1: An Introduction to Online Safety

1.1 The challenges faced by young people when they are online

In this video, Karl Hopwood, Insafe Helpline Coordinator, explains some of the main challenges facing children and young people online.


In addition to what you have heard about in the video, Microsoft recently published some research which focused on civility, safety and interaction online (The Microsoft research on digital activity). The research was carried out with both adults (aged 18-74) and young people (aged 13-17) in 14 countries (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, USA, UK):
  • 65% of respondents said that they had been a victim of at least one online risk (unwanted contact 43%, treated mean 22%, online harassment (17%).
  • 58% of 13-17 year olds had met the perpetrator of the online risk face to face.
People found that the internet overall was a “civil” place but there were “strong concerns over safety, both today and in the future”. For more information on the challenges faced by young people when they are online, look at the following references:

    1.2 The challenges faced by teachers

    Many teachers report that they feel ill-equipped to deal with questions and challenges from pupils about online safety issues.
    Teachers are entitled to a private life, but the extent of that privacy can often be determined by how much content is shared on social media.

    The Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) provides a huge amount of information for teachers which can help them to become more confident in supporting pupils. From guides on addressing issues such as cyberbullying and sexting, to safety and privacy information for the most popular social media services being used by young people, the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) portal provides access to hundreds of SIC resources in different languages.

    "One in five teachers abused online by parents and pupils" (The Guardian)  https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/21/teachers-abused-online-parents-pupils

    The "Better internete for Kids" includes the decision tree are part of the 'Think about' series inviting young people to reflect on their online behaviour and howto protect themselves online. I like it!

    Picture #1. Think about how to protect yourself online.


    Picture #2. Think about the content you post.


    The decision trees are available in multiple languages but no in lithuanian :(

    1.3 Where to find resources and support

    Many countries are highlighting the importance of children and young people being able to use the internet safely. 
    A recent UNICEF report found that when adolescents are threatened or feel unsafe online,
    • 54% said that they would tell a friend,
    • 48% said that they would tell a parent,
    • but only 19% said that they would tell a teacher.
    Some examples include:
    • Crossing the Line – A practical online safety toolkit from the UK Safer Internet Centre with films and lesson plans to explore online issues with pupils aged 11-14. The purpose of this toolkit is to help educators generate discussion among young people about their online experiences. It covers topics such as cyberbullying, sexting, peer pressure and self-esteem.
    • Handbook on the internet and early sexualisation – this guide and lesson plan from the Bulgarian Safer Internet Centre provides information about a number of different online issues, recommendations on how to discuss them with young people, and a sample lesson plan.
    • Guide for Cyberbullying – a brochure from the Greek Safer Internet Centre providing tips and advice on how to avoid cyberbullying and what to do if it happens.
    • Protecting privacy in social networks – a leaflet for teens from the Slovenian Safer Internet Centre about how to protect privacy on social networks.
    • It isn’t funny, it hurts – this is a video resource from the Latvian Safer Internet Centre which helps young people to understand the challenges of life online and the impact that negative comments can have.

    Activity  My resource

    Share a resource (lesson plan, video, animation, etc.) that you have previously used with your pupils to teach an aspect of online safety.


    I share the resource (e - poster "Be responsible computer user") that I have previously created and used with my pupils to teach an aspect of online safety.

    Analyzing the poster material self-learners can watch movies on a secure Internet, play games or read training tips. This measure generally contributes to the enhancement of knowledge on safe Internet browsing.

    You can find what other peers shared here!

      1.4 A whole-school approach to online safety

      In some countries, there is a requirement to teach online safety as part of the curriculum, but this is not the case everywhere. Ideally, online safety should be:
      • Embedded within the curriculum in all subjects where relevant (not just ICT or computing). Many schools will cover online safety as part of the PSHE (personal, social, health education) curriculum.
      • Based around teaching children and young people to be media literate.
      • Evaluated within schools to demonstrate impact. Many pupils are excellent at reciting the rules for staying safe when they are online, but whether this translates into them actually changing or modifying their behaviours when they are online is more difficult to determine.
      • A statutory part of the curriculum so that no children and young people are left vulnerable.
      • Part of an inspection regime so that schools are held to account.
      • Delivered in partnership with parents and pupils. Pupils can be excellent peer educators, particularly for younger users in their school.
      Young people can often feel unable to discuss what has happened to them online as they fear an overreaction from parents and teachers. Adults can sometimes be quite shocked at what young people have been doing or saying online; a greater understanding of what is actually happening online, what the trends are, what young people are doing, and so on is important if teachers and parents are to give a balanced and measured response when young people talk to them about something that has happened.

      An online safety action plan to follow:

      The action plan should set SMART objectives
      • Specific 
      • Measurable
      • Achievable 
      • Realistic 
      • Time-related

      ACTIVITY The Action plan

      I started to fill out templates for school self-evaluation of e-safety and inclusion in my training diary result. The Action Plan, in order to assess how schools do, in terms of security on the Internet, and to identify possible areas for improvement.

      It is not complete.


      1.5. Campaign for a safer and better internet! 

      Maintaining an open dialogue between pupil and teacher and child and parent is one of the most effective ways of helping children and young people to stay safe online. Every year, for the last 14, Safer Internet Day (SID) has been celebrated in February, right across the globe. 
      This year, SID took place on 7 February 2017 with a slogan “Be the change: Unite for a better internet”, with more than 130 countries participating. SID is an ideal opportunity for schools to engage the whole community in the debate around online safety with a wealth of resources being made available for pupils, parents, and teachers.

      For Safer Internet Day 2017 the UK Safer Internet Centre launched a report into the role and influence of images and videos in young people’s digital lives. On the website "Power of Image Report" you can find full report.

      The official page of the campaign offers a gallery of resources in many languages together with lesson plans for students of all ages.

      You can find ready made activities especially designed for EFL learners in the British Council. Levels range from A1 to C2 so there is something for everyone there.

      ACTIVITY Save the date

      Our high school "Vyturys" a few years parcipated in SID.  We are going discussions about students' safety on the Internet, drawing exhibition "Stop bullying online," pupils create rules and tips on how to behave safely online, develop information stands and footage participate in tenders. After watching the video we discussed about their past experiences and what they can do that would be safer online.

      Many events and a lot of advice for children and parents about Safer Internet you can find on the Lithuanian website www.draugiskasinternetas.lt

      SAFER INTERNET DAY 2018, February 6

      Padlet 1.5. Campaign for a safer and better internet!

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