The Flow Foundation’s Connected and Protected online safety programme has now expanded to primary schools with its Safer Internet Monitor sessions. The sessions are designed to empower primary school children with practical knowledge while encouraging them to be an online safety ambassador.

The sessions target children between Grades 4 and 6 and includes online safety tips, case studies, interactive quizzes, and exciting giveaways. At the end of the session, the children are badged and appointed a Safer Internet Monitor with the responsibility of spreading the awareness in their school and communities.

LeVaughn Flynn, Flow’s Public Relations Manager, said the Safer Internet Monitor sessions began with Galina Primary and Port Maria Primary schools on May 5 and will be held at nine primary schools across the island. Fifty students are targeted for each school.

“Our children today are growing up in a digital society, so while they enjoy all the benefits of the internet, they have to be aware of the risks and we believe the earlier they learn to manage these risks, the safer they will be,” said Flynn.

According to Grade 6 Teacher at Port Maria Primary, Anna-Kay Harvey: “I think the Safer Internet Monitor session will help the students in a positive way. The students are now aware of online safety best practices and the benefits of implementing them will go a long way in ensuring good habits for their entire lives. I firmly believe that coming out of the session the children will be careful whenever they’re connected to the internet.”

Connected and Protected was launched in January and so far has hosted a Youth Summit and a Seniors Forum. The Flow Foundation also established a Safer Internet School Grant, which provides funding for six high schools to implement an online safety programme for their students.