ABOUT TALK ONLINE SAFETY
It's time to talk about what's really going on... hearing my 100 students' worst internet experiences would make anyone want to ban all devices and internet access immediately, and then wrap them in bubble wrap!
The online world is a remarkable tool, offering not just essential services like video calling, which was invaluable in 2020, but also a hub for consuming media, staying updated with news, and connecting with friends and family at a button's touch. It's a gateway to knowledge, answering any question with a simple search. When used correctly, technology isn't just a convenience; it empowers and enhances human intelligence.
Like the way we discuss the dangers of smoking, drugs, alcohol, and gambling with young people, it's crucial to similarly educate them about online risks. Providing straightforward and factual information, without sugar-coating, allows them to make well-informed decisions.
This approach equips them with the necessary tools to effectively confront and manage the challenges they will inevitably encounter in the digital world.
As your children grow up in a digital era, it's important to strike a balance: you need to ensure they're being sensible and safe online, but at the same time allow them the freedom to explore. There are lots of risks going outside at night. Do you stay locked away in your house - or do you manage the risks and help your children to understand and manage the risks too?
The online world has many risks, but handling them effectively is key. As children grow, it's important to develop different parts of their brain: the right side by openly sharing experiences and building relationships, the left side through regular routines, and the frontal part by planning ahead. This approach helps them navigate online challenges safely.
No judging, just an open conversation that gives a young person the support they need and an opportunity to share. Don't get embarrassed. Explain it's OK. Leave out the shame.
I hope you enjoy using these cards and they help with positive and constructive conversations about online safety.
Sam
TALKONLINESAFETY Creator
“I think it needs to stop being so sugar-coated. I understand it's a kid audience but it needs to be put in a bit more of a serious tone.“
- one of my Year 9 students said to me when asked about online safety.
Hi, my name is Sam, and I'm the creator of TALKONLINESAFETY. I was a secondary school Computing teacher & online safety lead for 6 years. I've seen first-hand the impact of the internet on young people. I've also seen the challenges parents and teachers face when trying to educate young people about online safety. I wanted to create a tool that would help start these conversations in a fun and engaging way. I'm passionate about digital literacy and believe that it's essential for young people to develop the skills to navigate the online world safely. I hope that TALKONLINESAFETY will help to start these conversations and promote digital literacy and critical thinking in a fun and engaging way.
I graduated from Bournemouth University with a first class honours BSc degree in Forensic Computing and Security. I taught GCSE and A Level Computer Science for 6 years and was a pioneer of Digital Teaching & Learning; piloting, launching and running whole-school CPD on the use of G Suite for Education (Google Classroom) over 4 years. I became a Google Certified Education Trainer from January 2020 and was responsible for leading a 1:1 Chromebook program for 1000 students across 18 months, with project costs over £300k. The program was featured as a flagship project for Dell Technologies. I am a Child Exploitation and Online Protection Ambassador and have delivered hours of engaging talks, assemblies and online safety events, catering to a diverse audience of both young people and adults.
“A massive thank you to Sam! Sam, I was really impressed by the content and your presentation of it, and I really appreciate your approach of not just trying to scare us (though I do find the whole subject of protecting our kids from online dangers terrifying) and also I thought the way you laid out three elements - knowledge, communication and tools - was very clear and helpful. Even just phrases to use, such as asking kids why it might not be a good idea to have phones etc in their bedroom, and the advice to build trust and communication rather than telling them everything they must not do - it was all very helpful. Please come back so I can send my husband next time and so more parents can attend!“
“Sam prepared a very relevant and detailed presentation for parents of primary aged children. His work beforehand ensured he was addressing the subjects and Apps that our children are accessing and he made sure parents knew to talk to their children and not just stop them using technology. A very informative and pertinent presentation.“
“I found the parts about talking regularly to your children about online safety, and the cards to aide that, particularly useful. Overall it helped me to accept that I need to work with my children to use the internet safety rather than just stop them from using things online. I was also very interested in the problem of addiction to social media etc which helped me reflect on my own behaviours as well as how it can affect children.“
“I found it very helpful and I thought Sam did an excellent job presenting. To be honest I expected it to be quite a dry presentation given the subject matter, but I found it very engaging and was very glad I attended.“
“Now that I have more knowledge about it, there is a part of me feeling more anxious about it (it is a good thing). So it would be good if we have more opportunity like this in future so that we will be continued to be educated with the latest information. Great session. Thanks so much!“
TALKS
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