The increasing wish for more information on internet safety was one of the results of a survey among 1,200 teachers of primary schools. Only 24% of the teachers said that their students’ knowledge of safe internet use is sufficient. Most stated problems were bullying via the internet and MSN, carelessness with passwords and exaggerated trust. “Children are not aware that there are people with bad intentions also on the internet and they give away their personal data far too easily” was an often heard comment.

86% of the teachers said that their students would like to know more about safer internet. In 2005 students seldom addressed their teachers when they faced a problem on the internet. Nowadays 43% of the teachers get questions from students. A lot of schools have done things to make internet use safer. This varies from internet protocols, group conversations, lessons and the Safer Internet Diploma (education package) to filtering.

The school kit for teachers is a laptop-shaped box with information about internet protocols, model presentations, lesson plans, a CD-rom with links and information about safer internet, online bullying, correct posture to prevent RSI (Repetitive strain injury), books and spots. The idea was copied from the Swedish awareness node.

Marjolijn Durinck, Digibewust