STAFF and governors from many of Thurrock’s schools received a lesson in how to ensure their charges were kept safe online at a training event on Tuesday (4 June).
The Thurrock Children’s Partnership e-safety group organised the event to tell those who have leadership responsibility for e-safety about the challenges faced around safeguarding children and young people in the online environment.
The partnership organised the event to develop a more co-ordinated approach to dealing with the risks young people may face when using the internet.
Thurrock Council and some of its partners – including Essex Police and South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre – facilitated and presented at the event to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding internet use and support schools to meet their safeguarding responsibilities.
Cllr Bukky Okunade, portfolio holder for children’s social care, said: “This has been a really informative and useful event for the staff and governors of our local schools.
“It’s really important that we tackle the issues surrounding online safety and give our schools the support they need in order to tackle these issues.”
And public protection cabinet member, Cllr Angie Gaywood, added: “This type of event is exactly what we should be offering to schools in order to raise awareness of issues such as cyber-bullying and staying safe online.
“Learning what to watch out for and how to get help and advice is essential if we are to help protect our children.”
To find out more about keeping your children safe on line and where to report any concerns visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
