‘Safer Schools’ app launched for children and young people

The Department of Education Northern Ireland 'Safer Schools' digital safeguarding app is available, for the first time, to children and young people in Northern Ireland.

Children and young people will be able to access advice on a range of digital issues, including safeguarding on social media platforms, bullying, sexting and emerging online trends. Pupils receive different content depending on their year group.

The Safer Schools app was previously made available to teachers, parents and carers in Northern Ireland.

Education Minister Peter Weir said: “The Department of Education Northern Ireland Safer Schools app is designed to support children and young people, schools, parents and carers with digital safeguarding, during the Covid-19 crisis.

“As our children and young people have more free time during the lockdown, it is only natural they will spend more time online.  We want to make sure young people have all the knowledge they need to keep themselves safe online.

“Thousands have already downloaded the app and I want to, again, encourage all children, young people, schools, parents and carers to use this essential resource. Keeping our children safe has never been more important.”

The Safer Schools app has been offered to the Department by the iNEQE Safeguarding Group, run by Jim Gamble.

Mr Gamble, Chief Executive of iNEQE Safeguarding Group, said: “As a result of the lockdown children will be spending more time online than ever before interacting online with their real friends, friends of their friends, who they don't really know, and absolute strangers. This app provides everything the child/young person, parent/carer or teacher needs to understand and respond to any potential risk online.”

Notes to editors: 

1.  Further information for Schools is available in the Minister’s letter to schools on the Safer Schools app for children and young people

2. Download and login instructions can be found online at safer schools ni. Entry codes for School Staff will be emailed to school Principals or available upon request by emailing saferschoolsni@ineqe.com

3.  Follow the Department of Education on twitter

4.  Media queries to press.office@education-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

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