Earlier this month, the whole school celebrated Safer Internet Day 2024— a national day of celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online’ in schools and other organisations.
In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, children were introduced to safe and happy swapping in online environments through an enjoyable, age-appropriate story about characters Mo and Jazz playing a 'Hatch Me' game online. In the story, the characters were tricked into swapping their 'animals' during a computer gaming session. Children discussed that the decisions they make online have consequences and what to do if something happens that makes them feel uncomfortable or unhappy.
Key Stage 2 interrogated the concept of persuasive design: how apps and games are cleverly designed to persuade people to give up their time and money. Children examined common persuasive design techniques, such as loot boxes, save points, typing indicators and autoplay, and how they are designed to affect (and even, at times, manipulate) users.
Year 6 children empowering themselves to become more aware of persuasive design techniques and their subtle, influential workings.
Like the children in younger year groups, the KS2 children discussed the importance of using technology mindfully, for example taking breaks and being aware of how it can make them feel, plus the importance of talking to trusted adults about any worries.
Thank you Mr Khan, our Computing Lead, for making the day not only empowering, but also really enjoyable.
