Online safety tools showcased at Islington school to visiting Lord and NSPCC CEO
The Rt Hon. the Lord Vaizey of Didcot and NSPCC Chief Executive Chris Sherwood visited an Islington primary school on Wednesday to see how children are being taught vital digital literacy skills.
The pair attended a day of activities from the NSPCC’s partner organisation, Common Sense Media, which provided parents, pupils, and staff at William Tyndale school with resources and support to keep child safe online.
This included lessons on how to prevent bullying online, how to protect privacy, and how to navigate misinformation.
Common Sense Media, which is chaired by Lord Vaizey, is a leading children’s advocacy organisation in the USA. It is focused on improving digital and media literacy in schools, creating a better understanding of the impact of generative AI on children, and leading transatlantic advocacy for children's digital well-being.
In 2024 it began a new partnership with children’s charity the NSPCC to roll out education programmes in the UK and share a joint approach to research in order to improve global understanding of the impact of generative AI on children.
The Digital Literacy, Well Being and Citizenship curriculum has been taught across primary and secondary schools in Islington since 2020.
Lord Vaizey said:“Today’s demonstration of Common Sense Media and the NSPCC’s partnership to help school leaders and parents educate children is heartening, and we thank the community at William Tyndale school for hosting and collaborating on this event.
“The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and we must all work together to protect children online.”
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the children’s charity, said: “The NSPCC and Common Sense Media share an ambition to help keep children safe and informed when online, and it was wonderful to see this in action at William Tyndale Primary School .
“By working together, we want to see this vital learning taking place in every school in the country.”
If you have a concern about a child you can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000, or emailing [email protected]. Children can receive information and advice on a wide range of topics, including online safety, and access support and counselling at the NSPCC’s service Childline. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 or message a counsellor on the 1-2-1 chat service.
If you think a child is in immediate danger don't delay – call the police on 999.
For more information on Common Sense Media visit https://www.commonsensemedia.org/