The Leeds United Foundation have helped to promote the recent Safer Internet Day awareness event with various educational workshops delivered to around 700 young people in Leeds.
Safer Internet Day was celebrated on Tuesday 8th February, and it is an annual event celebrated globally to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people, and to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively.
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2022 was ‘All fun and games?’ with those participating asked to explore relationships online and the meaning of respect.
Foundation coaches from the Premier League Primary Stars and Primary Choices programmes delivered sessions to 11 of our partner schools, each themed around the national campaign for 2022.
The workshops were used to highlight the issues and dangers around online activity through gaming and other interactions on the various social media platforms accessible to them.
The staff from the club’s official charity also used the workshops to help raise awareness around making positive choices when talking and participating online, ensuring they were all educated on how and who they should report something to if they are ever worried about inappropriate behaviour or content.
One of the teachers from Beeston Primary School provided feedback on their Safer Internet Day workshop and said: "The children have been learning about different ways to stay safe online and giving suggestions to classmates about how to protect themselves against potential dangers.
“The workshop delivered by the Leeds United Foundation has provided the children with a better understanding of why it is important to stay safe online and the steps to take if they are ever contacted by a stranger.”
One of the Year 3 pupils taking part in the workshop added: "We were able to learn a lot about some of the dangers of the internet and how to stay safe. One of the things I thought about was how important it is to only add friends and family when playing on your Xbox because some people may pretend to be the same age as you to make friends."
If you would like any further information about our Primary Stars and Primary Choices projects, please contact [email protected].
