Pupils at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School took part in a special day of activities to help them stay safe online on Friday 20 September.
The “Be Internet Legends” educational programme for 7 to 11-year-olds helps children become safe, confident explorers of the online world.
The youngsters discussed privacy, online bullying and how to make sure you do not bite a phishing hook. They downloaded Interland, a game that makes learning about digital safety interactive and fun, and took part in an assembly addressed by local MP Daniel Zeichner.
Research by Google shows that 96% of teachers believe that children should learn about online safety both at home and in school. Meanwhile an analysis of 2000 young people’s social media profiles, conducted by O2, revealed that a quarter of kids display their email addresses while 8% show their mobile phone number.
Daniel Zeichner MP, who recently led a debate in the House of Commons about online bullying, said: “The internet is an amazing place the play, learn, create and connect – opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But there are also dangers lurking on social media, online gaming and messaging apps. It is essential that children learn to think carefully and critically about what they do and see online, which is why I was so pleased to back today’s programme.”