Highland Council Marks Safer Internet Day 2023

Highland Council offers advice and resources to help residents navigate the online world safely.

00:27 10 February 2023

Highland Council marks Safer Internet Day 2023, a global campaign aimed at making the internet a safer place for all, by providing residents with advice and resources that they can use to navigate the online world safely. 

The Highland Online Safety Centre offers videos, articles, and safeguarding alerts with the latest online developments and awareness. 

Executive Chief Officer for Education and Learning, Nicky Grant said: “The internet is a powerful tool for learning, personal and group expression, and social interaction. However, as with all powerful tools, children and young people must be taught to appreciate its impact, how to use the tool safely, and to appreciate the level of responsibility that we all share when we are engaging online. 

“It is understandable with the fast-changing nature of the digital and social media landscape, that parents and carers may feel overwhelmed when trying to keep up to date with new features and platforms. Confident internet users with a sound knowledge of safeguarding measures and practices, may be unfamiliar with language and popular culture terms driven by a younger generation. Therefore, to mark Safer Internet Day, we will be sharing helpful resources and advice on our Council social media accounts throughout the day.”

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson added: "The digital world is becoming increasingly more intertwined in our daily lives and so we all have a responsibility to educate children on how to navigate the space safely, just as we educate them on recognising dangers in the real world.

“The Council and schools take online safety and their responsibility to educate young people on the potential dangers very seriously, but support is needed from parents and carers to properly safeguard their children and young people by having conversations and open dialogue with them.”