Staying safe online just one of the messages as Digital Ace returns
THE importance of having conversations about staying safe online was one of the key messages from an event held at Beau Sejour on Saturday.
The event, known as Digital Ace, provided guidance on online safety and security for primary and secondary age children through a wide range of interactive activities and stands.
Organiser Matthew Parker hoped that those attending would leave the event feeling educated and less scared about the digital landscape.
‘Ace stands for aspire, create and empower,’ he said.
‘We want to provide children and young people with an environment that can feed and support their aspirations, with the inspiration and tools to create new things, and to empower us all to learn and be safe.’
The event was being held for the first time since before the pandemic, with the idea originally coming from Safer Internet Day.
‘It’s not just about staying safe,’ Mr Parker said.
‘Obviously with the way the world is now, more and more jobs are requiring knowledge of digital technology, so to have an understanding of things like artificial intelligence is more important than ever for young people, especially with regards to their future careers.’
Guernsey Police digital safety development officer Laura Simpson said that the event formed part of a multi-agency effort to help both children and parents feel confident about technology.
‘As part of the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership, we are providing a community-wide effort to give parents and children the skills they need to become digitally literate, and events like this one are fantastic ways to give them the necessary skills and confidence,’ she said.
Izzy Fenwick, 11, said that she had been intrigued by the range of activities on offer.
‘I really enjoyed learning about the basics of coding. Plus getting the chance to meet new people has been quite fun’
Daisy Clarkson, 10, said that she had found the day informative.
‘My favourite part was getting to play on the Nintendo Wii.’
