This is where the Ambassadors of Safe Internet step in, a programme developed in Wrocław and aimed at children aged 6-12, their parents and teachers.
"The project was written for the competition organised by the Ministry of Administration and Digitalisation by the joint teams of the Kulturaonline.pl and Fundacja dla Kultury.pl portals" explains Mirosława Adamczak, the president of Wrocław foundation. "We have many children between all of us, and as parents, we know that a project that is addressed both for the youngsters and their parents and teachers alike makes sense. We've planned workshops for 1500 pupils of classes 1-3 in 20 schools, but it turned out to be merely a drop in the ocean of needs. As many as 250 schools from all over Poland signed up with us! We've had calls from teachers and education authorities' staff, requesting training. It all but proves that the topic that we've decided to tackle is of utmost importance.
Research proves that as much as 75 percent of eight- and six-year-olds passed their internet password to a stranger (research carried out, among others, by Teen Angels and Wired Safety.org). Eight-year-olds report to psychologist practices with a serious computer addiction, and Poland is no exception. Additionally, there are loads of cyber-crime or paedophilia threats.
"It is interesting how everyone thinks they can ensure children's on-line safety" says Mirosława Adamczak. "However, in practice children adhere to no rules whatsoever, and parents, and even teachers have no idea what the youngsters can come up with in the Web.
The promotion film features Bartosz Porczyk.
Authors of the ASI project are certain that children need to be taught awareness in using the Internet. Adults, on the other hand, need to be shown the methods of protecting the youngsters.
This is why a special e-learning platform was created as a part of the Ambassadors of Safe Internet project. "It is an on-line course cycle, dedicated to parents, tutors and teachers of children in their early years of schooling" says Alicja Bar, the project's co-ordinator. "We focus on reaching the group that is just starting their adventure with the Internet, through their parents. We want to act pro-actively, to help in raising smart Web users.
The course instructs of actual Internet threats, but also its good purposes. A psychologist explains what goes on the head of a child in an early schooling stage, and why computer games are addictive. Specialists will also drop some hints how to monitor Internet access on a computer, tablet or a mobile phone. Also, experienced parents will share on what principles to instil in a child before they sink well into cyber-space.
"The course brought it home to the adults that it if they wish to protect their children from cyber-threats, they need to keep up with developing technologies" says Mirosława Adamczak.
Everyone who completes a course on a platform will have an opportunity to win books and e-books for school or home libraries. The prize list includes titles from publishing houses such as: Znak, Prószyński, Akapit Press, Zielona Sowa, Afera and Nasza Księgarnia.
Participation in the Safe Internet Academy course is free. Just log in and follow the guidelines.
The course is available here: ambasadorzy.kulturaonline.pl
Iwona Szajner
