GEMS Education is supporting Safer Internet Day today with a host of initiatives aimed at raising awareness of digital dangers such as misinformation, fake news and defamation.
Students across the GEMS Education network are today participating in special classes and workshops that will help them to question what they see online, and be aware of how what they see makes them feel. Some schools will show special virtual assemblies on the topic and make additional space in the timetable for lessons such as cyber law in the UAE.
GEMS has always supported digital education and safety, actively equipping students with the tools and understanding of the digital spaces they occupy.
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, secondary students will have UAE cyber law workshops to learn about online conduct in the UAE.
James Spence, Lead Digital Practitioner, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, said: “At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, e-safety is something we engage with on purpose and in a practical manner. That is why we offer our students the opportunity to explore UAE Cyber laws from a practising UAE lawyer. We believe students should have access to information that allows them to make informed choices when they are online. Safer Internet Day has given us a platform to explore how we can further develop an enriching and purposeful e-safety curriculum.”
Sara Hedger, Head of Child Safeguarding and Child Protection, said: “We’re pleased to be an active part of the Safer Internet Day campaign. We don’t want young people to be afraid of the internet, we want to equip them to safely and confidently navigate the online world they so frequently inhabit. We are also proactively engaging with parents to keep them informed and supporting them to have important conversations about what young people may experience while online. GEMS Education also works closely with the UAE authorities to train our staff and students.”