Today is the 11th anniversary of the Safer Internet Day (SID) movement, promotes safe and responsible use of online tech among young people, and Google SA, along with its Online Child Safety Campaign partners, are marking the occasion by hosting a series of Internet safety workshops for youths across Johannesburg.
Learners, teachers and parents from five schools from around the city are taking part in online safety workshops facilitated by Google at Jules High School, east of Johannesburg, where they are being equipped with tools and knowledge to help them to use the Internet safely and responsibly, as well as to educate them on their role in making the Internet a better and safer place for all.
The workshop covers four topics including:
- How has the internet made things better?
- Ideas, apps and creating
- The responsible user’s guide to social media
- The advantages and disadvantages of anonymity online
“At Google, we often speak about how the Internet has changed the world, especially when it come to the unprecedented level of access to information offered by the web. However, such changes affect each generation differently. For children, this is especially important – the Internet can aid with their school work, help them connect with friends, and offer a creative outlet. At the same time, there are tools that families should be aware of, so that children can explore the Internet safely. We will continue to hold trainings like these because we are deeply committed to protecting children online and providing all of our users with a safe experience;” says Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, public policy manager at Google SA.
Visit Safer Inter Day to find out more information. (Coincidentally, Safer Internet Day coincides with the Electronic Frontier Foundation‘s The Day We Fight Back campaign against mass surveillance.)
