The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, and Minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Mims Davies, recently visited Shamblehurst Primary School in support of an online educational safety programme created by Google called ‘Be Internet Legends’.
Working in partnership with family internet safety experts, Parent Zone, the programme has reached over a million children across the UK. As part of the programme, the children are shown Interland – a fun-filled adventure game to make learning about online safety fun and informative. Children learn about avoiding hackers, phishers and bullies practising the skills learnt with the programme.
Reflecting on the visit, Eastleigh MP and DCMS Minister Mims Davies said:
“At a time when children, including my own, are growing up in a digital world unlike any generation before them, there is no doubt that the vast majority are much ‘techier’ than their parents and guardians – and that includes me! Nevertheless, it is more important than ever before that our young people learn how to stay safe online.
“That is why as a parent, as a local MP and as a Minister at DCMS I welcome the work that - through their support for schools like Shamblehurst - Google are doing to make sure that our young people have the skills they need to stay safe online. The Be Internet Programme is a fantastic way to make learning fun whilst sending a clear message to the children around how to protect and look after themselves, be respectful and speak to someone if unsure.
“As the Minister for Sport & Civil Society, youth policy is part of my responsibility and I’m determined to ensure that children and young people stay safe when accessing online information. It’s so important that our schools provide a safe environment to support our children and I’m so pleased that Headteacher, Mrs Jones, has embraced the Be Internet Legends programme and invited me to take part in the Interland assembly.”
As Eastleigh’s MP, Mims has always looked to support local schools, regularly offering them opportunities to get involved with a variety of projects across a range of subjects and encouraging them to visit Westminster to find out more about democracy at work. If you would Mims to visit your school or your school would like to visit Mims at Westminster, please email mims.davies.mp@parliament.uk .