NEXT week, Weston College will be hosting an internet safety day to educate learners on how to stay safe online.

The British Computer Society's (BCS) 2024 Safer Internet Day will take place from 2pm at Loxton Campus on Tuesday, February 6.

The event will explore topics such as online bullying, fraud and exploitation, as well as ways to inspire change nationally.

The college, who is also the lead for the West of England Institute of Technology, will be welcoming a range of guests who will share their expertise with attendees.

This includes professor Victoria Baines, an online trust, safety and cybersecurity expert, as well as Julia Adamson,  BCS’ MD for education and public benefit.

Other guests include:

  • Clare Moody: co-chief executive, Equally Ours/Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate in Avon and Somerset;
  • Daniel Aldridge, head of Policy and Public Affairs, BCS;
  • Claire Abery, director of the West of England Institute of Technology;
  • Cllr. Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader and executive member for Children's Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, North Somerset Council.

Professor Victoria Baines will give a keynote speech, further exploring the topic of this year's theme 'local action inspiring global change.’

This will be followed by a panel made up from the guests and two students.

The day will finish around 5pm following a networking opportunity with educators, technologists, employers, local policy teams and digital experts.

Daniel Aldridge, head of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Computer Society, said: "We know online bullying, fraud and exploitation are huge concerns for children, young people and their families.

"It's why Safer Internet Day was established, to make the online world safer for children and young people.

"This year, we at the British Computer Society are partnering with students and apprentices at Weston College to champion a safer internet for all through ‘local action inspiring global change’.

"We're bringing world-class speakers to Weston to engage with our excellent learners and educators here, raise awareness, identify opportunities and inspire action."

Jacqui Ford, the college’s interim principal, added: "We are delighted to be hosting this event in partnership with the British Computing Society, it’s fantastic for our students to hear from such renowned digital experts, discussing online safety and how the technology revolution, is shaping both skills, jobs and society as a whole."