Drama and role-play are being used in primaries to educate pupils, teachers and parents about the benefits and dangers of the internet, writes Chris Johnston.
KidSmart, a joint venture by Childnet International and Tiny Computers, will send a drama group to run school activity days in 20 cities to ensure eight to 11-year-olds have a better understanding of how to use the net safely.
The activities reinforce KidSmart’s five SMART rules: * Secret: always keep personal details such as your name, address and phone number private.
* Meeting someone you have contacted online can be dangerous and should only be done with the permission of parents or carers.
* Accepting e-mails or files can cause problems because they might contain viruses.
* People online can tell lies and may not be who they say they are.
* Tell your parent or carer if something you see online worries or upsets you.
There will be evening seminars for parents and lesson plans and worksheets for teachers to use.
Nigel Williamson, Childnet chief executive, said KidSmart complemented government internet awareness campaigns such as “wiseuptothenet”. The initiative has been developed in conjunction with the Home Office.
Information and advice is available from www.kidsmart.org.uk. For an A-Z booklet about safe internet use, tel: 0800 771234 or go to www.wiseuptothenet.co.uk
