Tuesday February 7th 2023
Owen Thompson MP at the UK Parliament with young digital leaders.
Owen Thompson MP believes online safety remains a real issue and parents need to be at the forefront of making sure children and young people are kept safe online.
Mr Thompson has joined with schools, charities, and businesses across the UK to pledge their support for making the internet a safer place for children and young people.
Today is Safer Internet Day, a globally recognised celebration promoting the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
The event, coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), is celebrated in more than a hundred countries. This year’s theme is “Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.”
New research by the UKSIC reveals that, children and young people are keen to engage with their parents about their online lives. 57% of children believe they can play a role in educating their parents and carers about life online as research also revealed that many parents (36%) are unsure of where to turn should they need support.
The Midlothian MP today welcomed the work being done by the UK Safer Internet Centre and called for everyone to do play their part in making sure children and young people are safe online.
Mr Thompson said:
“I’m pleased to support this year’s Safer Internet campaign. Listening to the voices of children and young people will help improve their safety online, something we all want to see. Children usually know a lot more about the interactive world they inhabit than their parents or carers do, so it’s important to make time to talk and learn from them about their life online and the concerns they have. “
A spokesperson for the UK Safer Internet Centre said: “It is vital that we reach as many children and their parents and carers as possible.
“Safer Internet Day engages children and young people across the UK to encourage them to have a conversation about their online safety. The UK Safer Internet Centre provides lots of information and advice to parents, carers, schools and children about online safety, and we would encourage anyone to check out the support we provide.
“But we also need policymakers to act now to put children at the heart of the new Online Safety Bill, by empowering them, giving them a voice and progressing with this vital legislation as soon as is practicably possible. We were delighted to be in Parliament today with our young digital leaders to discuss their hopes and aspirations for the Online Safety Bill.”
Owen Thompson MP urged constituents who are concerned about online safety to visit saferinternet.org.uk
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