On 21st March I attended the launch of a cyber safety program for teenagers called “Well Versed” at Fullhurst Community College. This program helps young people to manage their online lives, by getting pupils to share their experiences of being on the internet with one another.
“Well Versed” is backed Google, Livity and the Parent Zone. One of the main parts of the project is getting 13-18 years olds to submit a 15 second YouTube clip with their advice about how to stay safe on the online. The best clips will then be put together in a video montage and shared with schools across the country.
The teachers I met from Fullhurst and other schools in my constituency, told me about the huge benefits of the internet, particularly the opportunities for young people to learn online. However, there are also challenges, such as the increasing problems of online bullying.
The answer isn’t to try and turn the clock back, but to educate young people and their parents about how to best manage their lives online. You can read more about how to get involved in the “Well Versed” project here.
