Northern Grid for Learning is now working in partnership with UKCCIS

Mick has made a successful application to UKCCIS and is now a member of the Council. This means that Northern Grid can represent its partner schools at a National level by promoting good practice whilst also highlighting the work of UKCCIS regionally.

The UK Council for Child Internet Safety brings together over 170 organisations and individuals from government, industry, law enforcement, academia and charities, including parenting groups.

Northern Grid is known for its excellent e-Safety services and we constantly update our resources and services in line with national recommendations. We can tailor e-Safety training to individual needs and work in partnership with other organisations that provide e-Safety support and resources.

Latest e-Safety updates can be accessed in our September Newsletter

You can download our latest service guide that includes e-safety support and services here

Northern Grid will now be working in partnership with UKCCIS to keep children and young people safe online. The initial focus for this partnership will be to support the 'Improving the Knowledge of parents and children' project and the 'Click Clever Click Safe' initiative. This project focuses on materials and information aimed at parents and children to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to keep themselves safe online.

Northern Grid in partnership with UKCCIS understands the need for consistent messaging to parents and is promoting the work of UKCCIS and existing resources, including the "Zip it, Block it, Flag it" digital code.

Click here for resources that can be used by schools

Northern Grid can now look forward to being involved in project groups as well as the Annual UKCCIS Summit.

The 'overview of the day' from the June 2011 Summit is outlined below

Summit overview

Bill Thompson (from the BBC) set the event in motion by giving an overview of the evolution of the internet and digital technologies and their significance in the lives of children and young people along with the wider societal context.

The speakers and panel debates provided thought-provoking debates and discussions. The summit also incorporated the views and experiences of children and young people throughout the day.

The speeches following the panel session presented an opportunity for Ministers to thank UKCCIS members for their hard work and contributions so far towards the child internet safety agenda. They also emphasised the vital role played by research in the work of UKCCIS and the necessity of a solid evidence base in the development of policy.

Key themes summary

A number of themes emerged throughout the speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions during the day. These included:

Active choice for parents about parental controls:

Recent progress made by the parental controls working group has resulted in the main fixed line ISPs agreeing to deliver a code of practice which will contribute towards delivering on the Bailey recommendation that parents are offered an "active choice" at the point of purchase whether or not to filter adult content available online at a network level.

The need for more effective reporting and takedown systems with improved two-way communication:

his was highlighted by Ministers and Professor Byron as a key concern held by parents about their children's use of the internet. Often when harmful or inappropriate content is reported, there is no feedback from the service provider so the parent is unsure of whether it has been taken down or even acknowledged. The need for a more robust system of takedown, with two-way communication between user and provider, was reiterated throughout the day.

Positive use of the internet by children and young people:

Keeping children safer online is not limited to reducing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate content or contact. Online technologies are being harnessed in innovative ways as a proactive force for good in the lives of children and young people. Particular examples discussed on the day included Beatbullying's "Cybermentors" programme and B-eat's use of new and existing social networking channels to offer support and information to young people who are particularly vulnerable due to their mental health needs.

BSI Kitemark:

There were several requests for the promotion of the BSI Kitemark to be re-invigorated and a call for industry to get involved and provide more support the scheme.

In her closing remarks Professor Byron also issued a number of calls to action to UKCCIS members:

• The need for swifter takedown times and more effective reporting mechanisms for parents incorporating a response and follow-up from service providers and social networks.
• Government action to make progress on the passing of the Pan-European Games Information (PEGI) ratings system into legislation
• UKCCIS to find a way for its work to become more widely known.

Resources from the day – including clips of children interviewing UKCCIS Board members - are available at: http://www.education.gov.uk/ukccis/news/b00191807/resources-from-the-summit

If you would like further information about the UKCCIS partnership, perhaps you would like your views shared at a National level, or you wish to enquire about Northern Grid's e-Safety services and support please get in touch at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it