Academy of Trinity in Radstock joined in the global Safer Internet Day campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of technology.

Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre and celebrated in over 100 countries, Safer Internet Day saw pupils and parents at Academy of Trinity take part in a number of activities promoting responsible and safe internet use.

The school held two assemblies for parents and children talking about how to keep safe online, as well as holding sessions on sharing images and interacting with people via online messaging apps.

During the day, pupils learned about how images can be manipulated or used as a way to gain information about people, such as where they live, based on if there is a road sign or school uniform in the background, and other sensitive information.

An afternoon assembly then saw the younger pupils discussing what they had learned throughout the day and how they would use those tips to keep themselves safe going forward.

Andrew Dix, Deputy Headteacher, said: “It’s really important that we keep children safe as they develop their skills of being responsible users of the internet. We’re very aware that many children engage in online activities and many are both fun and beneficial to them. However, it is key that they are taught how to stay safe and we take our reponsibility to protect children online very seriously.”

Will Gardner, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre and CEO of Childnet, said: “Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for everyone across the UK and globally to unite for a better internet. Whether you are a young person, parent, carer, school or organisation, we can all be the change and take positive actions to make the internet a better place. Hundreds of schools and organisations have pledged their support for Safer Internet Day, and it is this collaboration that helps ensure Safer Internet Day has such a positive impact, reaching 40% of UK children in 2016 and growing year on year.”

To find out more and to get involved with the campaign, visit: www.saferinternetday.org.uk