FOUNDATION SUPPORTS SAFER INTERNET DAY

This year the Foundation of Light is once again showing its support to the Safer Internet Day campaign to make the internet a better and safer place. Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the day is a great opportunity to talk openly to friends and family about the responsible, respectful and positive use of technology. Over 1,600 supporters in the UK, including schools, charities, police, businesses, Premier League and EFL clubs are joining young people to ignite conversations that promote #SaferInternetDay. We currently deliver school assemblies highlighting the dangers of the internet and giving hints and tips to secondary school pupils. The Foundation of Light have implemented a new module within a number of our award-winning Family Learning programme which teaches parents the risks of being online and the dangers of social media, so they can support their children if they feel there is a risk.

The internet is a powerful tool, the amount of information that is now easily accessible online is great, but it also has its downfalls, which we need to educate young people about

Jas Singh Inspires Lead at the Foundation of Light

Almost half (49%) of young people aged 8-17 years said that what they do and see online contributes to their identity, making up an essential part of who they are online. 54% admit they would feel lost, confused or as if they’d lost a part of themselves if their online accounts were taken away. Because of the internet 51% have felt better emotionally or less alone, 47% have gained confidence to be themselves online and 31% have found support they couldn’t find offline. This Safer Internet Day (11^th February) we are encouraging everyone to think about the ways in which they ask, give and receive consent online and we are calling on fans and supporters to get involved by:

• Promoting positive messages online, back a friend
• Help your friends and family to have a positive time online, by giving them information to stay safe
• Make the internet a better place this Safer Internet Day by taking positive action online.

References: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2020