Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed the launch of a new App to help children stay safe online.

The Safer Schools App, developed by the iNEQE Safeguarding Group, has been made available free of charge to parents, teachers and carers.

Chris Lyttle said: “Today’s children spend much more time online than any previous generation. While the vast majority of online interactions cause no concern, we have unfortunately seen examples of children being exploited, bullied or abused online. With schools now closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic, children will be spending more time online to keep up with their education, but also for recreation and keeping in touch with friends and family. It is important that parents are aware of the online dangers and how they can ensure their children are protected.

“The Safer Schools App will provide parents and teachers with key messages and information to safeguard our children when they are online. In the digital world we need to take child protection issues very seriously and I welcome the initiative from the Department of Education in making the App available to schools.”