Ministers Promote Safer Internet Day

Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Jonathan Bell today attended St. Ita’s Primary School and Wellington College in Belfast to promote Safer Internet Day 2014.

Today is the eleventh annual Safer Internet Day with the theme 'Let's create a better internet together'. Co-ordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre, and recognised globally in over a hundred countries, the day provides a platform to celebrate digital creativity and to encourage the safe, responsible use of technology.

Speaking ahead of the visit to the two schools Junior Minister Jennifer McCann said: "I appreciate the challenges facing many parents. You want your children to learn the digital skills which are essential in everyday life but you do not wish to expose them to the potential dangers of the online world. The internet is a fantastic educational resource, however, it can also subject children to inappropriate or harmful material. Children can also through their behaviour inadvertently put themselves at risk.

"It is understandable if parents feel confused and daunted about how to protect their children from online risks. As technology becomes more sophisticated, the need to ensure appropriate e-safety messages get through to the right people becomes ever more pressing. All of us have a responsibility to protect our children and young people online. Today is a timely reminder for all of us that there is simply no room for complacency."

Safer Internet Day TV is being broadcast live from Belfast. The show will contain practical information and advice on being safe online and using the internet to inspire learning and creativity. SID TV will be broadcast live online at SID TV websiteexternal link from 12 noon on Tuesday 11 February, with eight hours of programming for children, young people, parents, carers and teachers.

Junior Minister Jonathan Bell said: "The theme for this year's Safer Internet Day 'Let's create a better internet together' offers the opportunity for everyone to focus on both the creative things children and young people are doing online, as well as the role that we all can play in helping to create a better internet. This involves not just children and young people but also parents, carers, educators, social care workers as well as industry, decision makers and politicians.

"Last year the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland commissioned a survey of all final year primary school children. And the results give us a very clear picture of how much a part the internet plays in their lives."

(CVS/CD)