Internet Safety Talk
Thank you to the Blackburn with Darwen Prevent team, for coming in to talk to our Senior students about the importance of Internet Safety on Wednesday.
Rehana spoke on stage in the Croston Theatre to Senior students in two morning sessions. With the ubiquitous access that young people have to the internet today, and all types of social media, internet forums and websites, it has become increasingly important to help them to make rational and informed decisions about the kinds of content that they are reading and spending time consuming when they are online.
Prevent help to raise awareness of potential issues such as radicalisation of our young people through online terrorist and extremist groups. They help to explain what radicalisation is, what terrorism is and how to recognise ideologies associated with terrorist groups. Rehana spent quite a lot of time giving advice on how our students can monitor their own behaviour online.
Social media and online chat forums can be some of the most important areas for young people to be aware of, with the increasing tendency for ‘fake news’ and content that has been altered for the purpose of gaining engagement, being readily available. Students were also made aware of how online gaming can at times be used to reinforce terrorist ideologies, through featuring storylines that involve taking sides against other religions, countries and groups of people.
They were then shown a case study of a young student who had become radicalised online, and some of the unfortunate consequences of this particular case. Overall, it was a very insightful talk that helped to raise the students’ awareness of this significant issue and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe online. Thank you to Prevent for coming in to visit Westholme.
Students were also reminded that Miss Cooper (Head of Year 9) is Westholme’s Online Safety Coordinator and can be spoken to (along with any member of staff) if students have any concerns or need some advice.
