With accessibility increasing thanks to smartphones and devices, the internet now has over 4.6 billion users. No doubt, the internet is vast and resourceful, but it can be a scary place! For young people, it can be difficult to navigate the online world safely, and separate fact from fiction.

The UK Safer Internet Centre aims to promote the safe and responsible use of technology for young people, by providing online safety tips, advice and resources to help people stay safe online. In 2021 they’re focusing on reliability, celebrating the amazing range of information and opportunities that the internet provides and its potential to inform, connect and inspire, whilst also looking at how young people can find reliable and safe information. They discuss how we can decide what to trust, supporting young people to question, challenge and change the online world for the better, giving them the skills to support one another and the strategies to spot and speak out against misleading information online. 

For children today, who are growing up in an increasingly digital world, the internet is a way for them to build positive relationships; often seen as a play to play and interact with their peers (particularly during times of limited contact, like the pandemic). Navigating these online spaces can be tricky though, as they’re constantly making decisions about who and what to trust while playing games and socialising together online. Safer Internet Day gives young people the chance to build the skills they need to be able to make the correct and safest decisions as they navigate the online world.

Here at BlueShift, the internet is a huge part of what we do. We teach kids all about tech, and even run classes online. The introduction of our online gaming courses (Roblox and Minecraft), in which students join open servers means teaching children to stay safe online is more important to us than ever (to read our ‘Staying Safe On Roblox’ handbook, head here!). One of our main priorities in online lessons is staying safe whilst having fun. Our expert tech teachers are always on hand to go through instructions and give advice to ensure we all learn from and enjoy our time online! That’s why we’re supporting Safer Internet Day on February 9th, to create a safer and kinder online community.