Chris Lyttle MLA said: “I am very pleased to support the Safer Internet Day campaign. As young people spend more time online and use a greater variety of devices such as smartphones and tablets, it is even more important that Executive Departments work together to promote e-safety.
“While the internet can be a valuable educational tool, it can also pose many dangers for young people. The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland and the National Children’s Bureau recently launched a report on e-safety which highlighted the concerns that children and their parents have of online dangers. This report also recommended the creation of an e-safety forum to act as a single point of contact for e-safety advice and to co-ordinate government actions. I hope this will be implemented by the First and deputy First Ministers.
“I also believe that delivering e-safety through the school curriculum is the best way to raise awareness of possible dangers and to encourage young people to take sensible precautions when going online.”
ENDS