30
April
2019
|
01:01
Europe/Amsterdam

Plusnet Plays on the Internet

We've teamed up with TV presenter and children’s writer, Konnie Huq to create three new children’s plays to educate parents and children on internet safety.

 

Created in partnership with Internet MattersPlusnet Plays on the Internet uses theatre to explore three important topics relevant to young digital natives today – including cyberbullying, online grooming and online reputation.

Research from Internet Matters shows 75% of parents with children aged 4 -16 years old want to learn more about how to keep their children safe online but don’t know where to start. The plays are part of Plusnet’s commitment to help parents ensure they have the tools to talk to their kids about staying safe when using broadband at home or heading online elsewhere.

Speaking about the scripts she has written, Konnie Huq said: “As a mother and someone who has grown up with technology, I know how challenging it can be to stay aware of and support your child’s online activity. Hopefully these stories will act as a starting point for parents and children to discuss online safety together in a non-threatening and fun way. The process of working with Chickenshed has been fantastic and the kids really helped bring the scripts to life.”

 

Never Trust An Alien: A story about online grooming for 8 - 11 year olds

It’s the year 2090 and space travel is a new way of life, with many missions in progress to discover life away from Earth. While the minds of the population might be on other planets, the risks of talking to strangers online can be much closer to home than it seems.

The Ghosts of the InternetA story about cyberbullying for 11 - 14 year olds

In 2029, the use of technology is at an all-time high and social media usage is constant. But the most influential people on social media are not always those with the best intentions, and one pupil at the E-cademy risks using her power in the wrong way. But all is set to change following a visit from three ghosts…

Say what you mean, and mean what you say: A story about online reputation for 14+ olds

A pair of lifelong friends receive their first mobile phones together on their birthday. With their lives fully documented online, how will their digital decisions affect their future and will they use the internet for good?

 

 

9-year-old Chickenshed member, Marianna McInanny, said: “Sometimes it can be awkward speaking to my parents about internet stuff. These plays were so fun to act in and we realised that we actually had learned a lot about the internet… and aliens!”

CEO of Internet Matters, Carolyn Bunting, said: "The online world offers children huge opportunities; it allows them to learn, create and socialise however if it’s not used smartly and safely - children may be at risk of online harms.That’s why it’s so important that we reach parents as early as possible and arm them with the right tools and resources to help empower their children to navigate their own digital world safely.We’re delighted to have worked with Plusnet and Konnie on such a creative project that raises awareness about these issues and hopefully inspires families to have open, honest and regular conversations about the digital world."

 

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