Protecting our young people from online risks

A new play aimed at year 6 pupils that helps them learn about online risk and healthy online behaviour has been shown to over 5500 pupils across the county.

Children across the UK are spending increasing amounts of time on the internet, and at younger ages. Although this brings many opportunities to enjoy themselves and learn, it also presents danger.

Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire County Councils were awarded money, as part of the Cybercrime grant from the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle the issue. They commissioned the drama school specialists who previously produced Chelsea’s Choice, to develop the play with input from year 7 pupils and a number of agencies across the Thames Valley area.

Buckinghamshire County Council cabinet member for Community Engagement and Public Health, Noel Brown says “Lots of these online and social media platforms attract younger and younger audiences and so it’s important they are equipped to navigate them and know how and when to seek support”

The play is being followed up in the classroom with a number of resources addressing cyber bullying, digital resilience and healthy/unhealthy relationships.