Microsoft, UPC, O2 volunteer for Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day 2012, a global initiative to promote a safer Internet for all users, will be celebrated in Ireland on 7 February.

Volunteers from Microsoft Ireland, UPC and O2, with support from the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), will visit over 10,000 children across Ireland to promote Safer Internet Day to deliver the Day’s core message: of ‘Discover the digital world together…safely!’.

Talks will include tips on avoid the pitfalls associated with online interactive services like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and instant message services.

All pupils attending the Safer Internet Day Talks in Schools will be given a family e-safety pack to bring home. Produced by digital communications provider UPC and Webwise, this pack contains a guide for parents, games and stickers. It aims to give parents a tool that they can use to help them discuss the key online safety topics in a fun and informative way and ultimately help them to agree rules for internet use in their home.

Orla Sheridan, consumer channels group director, Microsoft Ireland, said: "We take the issue of Internet safety very seriously and have continuously invested in schemes and programmes to help educate young users of the Internet and their parents about how to use this great resource in a safe and efficient manner. As part of Safer Internet Day we are delighted to be partnering with the government, educational representatives and law enforcement agencies to highlight the importance of this issue."

Anna-Maria Barry, public relations manager, UPC, said: "Using the Web is an essential part of life and living for everyone. It’s also essential for children to know and learn all about the Web as part of their digital inclusion in society. As a partner in Safer Internet Day we are delighted to form part of this united front to help promote safer and more effective use of the Internet by children."

Webwise has developed a presence on Facebook to give parents the skills to communicate with their children on their Internet use at www.facebook.com/webwise.

TechCentral Reporters

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