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Parents seek advice from
teachers to keep their kids safe online in Liverpool
3 in 10 teachers have given advice to
parents about internet safety, as new research by BT and Unicef UK reveals that
all teachers in Liverpool questioned in the survey said that:- "internet
safety is an issue facing children in schools today."
Liverpool teachers' biggest concern for their pupils is cyber bullying (70%).
This is also the most frequent popular internet safety discussion parents have
with teachers (67%) in Liverpool.
The research found that whilst the majority of parents worry about their
children accessing inappropriate content online (54 %), more than ˝ (56%) of
parents in the Liverpool allow their children to play on their computers
unsupervised. Most parents (86%) in the City have discussed internet safety with
their children and of those that haven't, 50% say they haven't because they
trust them, but a ⅓ (33%) say it's because their child knows more about the
internet than they do.
BT and Unicef UK have partnered for a 3 year programme:- 'The Right Click:
Internet Safety Matters,' where they host workshops on internet safety
in schools. The programme is designed to help children, their families and
teachers to use the internet safely and create a forum for open conversations
about why and how.
Former JLS member, now farmer and The Right Click supporter, JB Gill, said:-
"It's not surprising that teachers play a pivotal role for both parents and
children when learning about staying safe online. Technology is changing every
day, and teachers play a big part in educating children on the internet. It can
be a scary place if children and parents don't know how to protect themselves,
and I'm in full support of the Right Click workshops. As a parent myself, I'm
glad to hear the results of the research show that teachers are already talking
to parents and children about internet safety and, if we can encourage everyone
to talk more and be even more open through these workshops, then the internet
world will be a safer place for children."
Pete Oliver, commercial and marketing director, BT Consumer, said:- "The
internet is a powerful tool, especially for children. The time children are
spending online is continuing to grow, particularly with children aged 8 to 111.
This can be daunting for parents that aren't necessarily digital savvy and most
parents (94%) have worries about their children online. However, with the right
knowledge, communication and parental controls in place, we can all ensure that
the internet can be a safe place."
So far, 9,866 children, parents and teachers have taken part in the workshops at
Unicef UK's Rights Respecting Schools, which put the UN Convention on the Rights
of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of their policies and practice. As a result, 9
out of 10 parents say they will talk to their child more about online safety.
Almost all parents (96%) that attended the workshops now feel knowledgeable
about the internet and 98% are now aware of the risks their children may face. 9
out of 10 parents are now also confident that their children are safer online.
The workshops are also valued by children, with 75% saying they would talk to a
trusted adult about staying safe online and around 90% saying they would now
tell an adult they trusted if something upset them online.
Catherine Cottrell, Unicef UK Deputy Executive Director, said:- "We're
working with schools across the country to create safe and inspiring places to
learn, where children are respected and their rights are protected. 'The Right
Click - Internet Safety Matters Workshops' empower children to become confident
and responsible digital citizens, enabling them to enjoy the enormous benefits
that the internet has to offer, with the help of parents and teachers."
The workshops also work to equip teachers and parents with the skills needed to
help children to use the internet safely.
They are encouraged to discuss online safety
openly with children.
Since the launch of the BT and Unicef UK partnership in March 2014, 80 schools
in disadvantaged areas have also been invited to join Unicef UK's Rights
Respecting School programme, as a direct result of BT funding. These schools who
have been selected from areas across the UK including:- Liverpool, Glasgow, East
Kent and Merthyr Tydfil; are provided with training, support visits and teaching
resources, to help them embed children's rights into their schools' ethos and
culture. All is ready
for the 13th Liverpool Santa Dash
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THE final countdown is now on to the
UK's biggest festive fun run in Liverpool, that is due to be held on Sunday, 4
December 2016. Organisers, BTR Liverpool, are determined to make the 13th Annual
Event a lucky 1, making it bigger and better than ever before. Highly regarded
as the City's kick start to Christmas, the Radio City Liverpool Santa Dash in
association with Blue Air is organised by leading independent race event
organisers BTR Liverpool, who created the Liverpool Santa Dash in 2004. The
public will be running alongside many familiar faces, as well as original Big
Brother winner Craig Phillips who will also be taking part on the day. Also
Santa will be on hand for both the main raise and the kid's race. If you
have no idea what it is, this was our coverage of last years event -
LINK. |
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Programme using emoji bingo
and sport to tackle children's mental health problems wins top award
A programme combining emoji bingo and
sport to tackle children's mental health across Merseyside won a prestigious
award. Tackling the Blues (TtB), an early intervention programme for children in
Merseyside's most disadvantaged areas has been recognised for its 'Outstanding
Contribution to the Local Community' at the 'Times Higher Education Awards.'
The programme, launched by Edge Hill University in partnership with Everton in
the Community, the official charity, of Everton Football Club, uses sport and
education to help children aged 6 to 16 years old with, or at risk of mental
health issues.
Emoji bingo, peer mentoring and physical activities are used to increase
self-esteem and reduce anxiety in children whilst helping them build positive
relationships with peers and external agencies.
The award judges said the programme:- "has been selected as a national case
exemplar" and has "in the view of educational and health professionals,
made a positive contribution in this challenging area."
They also said it was "remarkable" that more than 95% of participants
have continued with the programme over 15 months.
Andy Smith, Professor of Sport and Physical Activity at Edge Hill University,
said:- "We're delighted that over 2 years' research led work, supported by
our students and longstanding partnership with Everton in the Community, has
been recognised for its impact on and contribution to our local communities,
especially children and young people with mental illness. Tackling the Blues is
a strong partnership which has been recognised by our peers as demonstrating
just what impact can be achieved if universities like Edge Hill, together with
other educational institutions and the sport and health sector, work
collaboratively to address issues which are of international concern."
Andy and his colleague Jonathan Jones collected their award at the ceremony in
London, beating strong competition from universities across England and Wales.
Andy said:- "We launched TtB in response to the very significant mental
health problems facing young people. 8 in 10 are not accessing mental health
services, others have to wait nine months to access support.
Inequality and deprivation are high in the North West and TtB operates in areas
ranked amongst the 85% most disadvantaged areas of the country. Our early
intervention programme tackles a variety of mental illness from depression and
anxiety to eating disorders and anger management. Without TtB many young people
would just slip through the net."
Volunteer students from Edge Hill's Department of Sport and Physical Activity
and Faculty of Education are trained in internationally accredited mental health
qualifications to deliver weekly sessions in schools, acting as mentors to the
young people.
Jon Jones, Edge Hill Project Lead for TtB, said:- "Operating across nine
secondary schools and two young carer groups, the sessions mix sport and
physical activity with educational workshops on topics such as stigma, bullying
and emotions where 'emoji bingo' is used to encourage children to talk
about their feelings. Delivering activities that children can relate to has
allowed us to start informal discussions around mental health whilst maintaining
their engagement and enjoyment."
Conor, 13, a pupil at Hillside High School in Bootle, said:- "TtB helps me
with my feelings and doing sport. If I felt down or upset or was angry in other
lessons I knew I could talk about it and I don't really get angry anymore."
Fellow pupil, Nathan, 13, said:- "TtB teaches you how mental health
affects people and how you can overcome it. Sometimes I felt upset but I spoke
to people in school and my parents. Now if I feel angry I walk away from it. I'm
also helping the Year 7s teaching them about mental health."
Chrissie Doran, Progress Leader for Years 7 and 8 at Hillside High School,
added:- "TtB is really helping. We've see our students learn new skills,
make new friends and they access support from different types of people making
them feel more confident and better about themselves. Students on TtB are more
likely to come to school, take part in school life and are generally more
engaged and communicative."
The volunteers are assisted by mentors and coaches from Everton's official
charity to maximise the impact of the brand of the Club which has helped recruit
and retain young people.
Michael Salla, Director of Health and Sport at Everton in the Community, said:-
"TtB is part of our wider work in the community promoting health and
wellbeing. One of the key areas is mental health and we've found football is a
highly effective engagement tool to reach people who wouldn't normally engage.
Once they're involved in a programme we can start a conversation with them, help
tackle the stigma and work alongside partners such as the NHS and other agencies
where appropriate."
Charles Knight, a Senior Lecturer in Business and Management at Edge Hill
University was shortlisted in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category. |
