Safer Internet Day 2024: Connect. Reflect. Protect.

As we embrace the transformative influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in this digital age, Wellington College Hangzhou proudly joins the global community in commemorating Safer Internet Day 2024. This year's international theme, ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online,’ resonates deeply with our commitment to providing an excellent academic and holistic education. At Wellington College Hangzhou, we understand the vital role educators, play in guiding our pupils through the ever-evolving digital landscape. Our approach involves integrating online safety into our curriculum, supported by effective policies and avenues for reporting concerns. As we engage in the celebrations, we are reminded of our mission to empower pupils to navigate the online world responsibly, aligning with the core values of Wellington College Hangzhou. 

Safer Internet Day is acknowledged around the world in more than 180 countries across a variety of different types of organisations. It raises awareness about the various dangers we may face when using the internet including but not limited to things such as digital footprint, cyberbullying and misinformation and provides a space for thoughts and opinions about what is appropriate behaviour online. 

Internet safety and all its subtopics arise across the curriculum, explicitly in subjects such as computing, PSHE and wellbeing. However, it is always a valid and important topic, so materials linked to safety online often find their way into other areas of the curriculum such as English reading and history. We believe it is important not to isolate such necessary learning, so cross-curricular links are common. 

Activities and events were spread across the week and included a host of things such as a dedicated internet safety assembly at each school, wellbeing/PSHE lessons focused on cyberbullying, and computing lessons focussed on misinformation online. There were two parent workshops, one at HSH and a second at WCIH which focused on technology and internet safety at Wellington College Hangzhou, and schools held different continuous professional development (CPD) sessions for staff about technology and internet safety. Staff were also set CPD online courses with the National College about internet safety and cyber security. 

Overall, it was a successful week in raising awareness of internet safety, an essential topic to explore as the world continues to move more and more things online. We have more young people using the internet today than ever before, along with new and more advanced tools developing in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality, and the growing popularity of social media, all of which have created new threats that children need to be aware of. We hope that our pupils have a better understanding of some of the issues in these areas following the week’s activities.    

Safer Internet Day 2024 stands as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to cultivate a secure and enriching online environment for our pupils, integrating the transformative influence of artificial intelligence in schools. Placing the voices of children and young people at the forefront ensures that our approach is not only relevant but also finely tailored to their experiences. This day aligns with Wellington College Hangzhou's vision for holistic education, with a special emphasis on nurturing well-rounded individuals amid the digital era. 

Our commitment extends to understanding young people's perspectives on technology, harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence, and utilising the internet as a force for positive change. We address the changes they aspire to witness online, reinforcing our dedication to shaping responsible and discerning individuals. In Wellington terms, let us embody the roles of learners, connectors, and changemakers, guiding our pupils in managing influence and navigating the evolving landscape of change online. Together, let us inspire change, make a difference and pave the way for a safer and brighter future. Rest assured that the Wellington College Hangzhou Edtech philosophy has the protection of pupils at its core.