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The Byron Review “Safer Children in a Digital World” was issued on 27th March 2008. It has generally been well-received as it offers a balanced view which takes account of both the benefits and the dangers of children using the internet. The report makes a number of useful and practical suggestions which could be implemented to minimise the dangers.
However, the report suffers from one glaring omission – it completely fails to mention that a certificated Internet Safety course has been available from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) since 2006 and is widely taught in Scottish schools. It is believed to be the only course of its type developed by a national awarding body in the EU.
The course isn’t restricted to schools – it’s also offered to adults, including parents, teachers and youth workers via evening classes in further education colleges. It has been used for training police cadets by the Strathclyde Police Force and has been delivered to about 4000 pupils in Manchester schools. The course is supported by a complete online package of teaching and assessment materials and a purpose-written textbook entitled “Internet Safety Skills”, published by Leckie and Leckie.