Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day is a global awareness day to promote good practice in online safety.  It gives advice and guidance on the risks posed by new technologies such as social media, and information on how to stay safe while using social media sites.

I asked the Leader of the House to join me in commending initiatives by organisations across Wales that raise awareness of online abuse and exploitation, and to ensure me that the Welsh Government will continue to do all that it can to address this issue.

Speaking in the Senedd yesterday, I said: “As Chair of the Cross Party Group for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse, I am aware of the dangers children face online. While the internet is a great asset for people of all ages, it is important that we all know how to stay safe online. This is why I am supporting Safer Internet Day today.”

A report commissioned by the UK Safer Internet Centre found that seven in 10 children and young people have seen unsuitable images and videos online.  Additionally, 45 per cent of 13 to 17 year olds said they had seen nude or nearly nude pictures of people they knew being shared around their schools or communities.

The Welsh Labour Government have launched a new Online Safety Zone on the Hwb, the national digital learning platform for Wales, which has been developed to support teachers, parents and learners in this critical area.  The dedicated area will host news, articles and a range of resources on various online safety issues to help keep learners safe.  It will also signpost those dealing with the effects of online bullying or any online safety issues towards appropriate support services.

It is crucial that parents, children and teachers know how to stay safe online.  This is why I am supporting Internet Safety Day.

You can view my question here