Children urged to Make IT Happy (From Croydon Guardian)

Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway urges schools to teach online safety

9:30am Friday 25th January 2013 in News

Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway has backed a UK-wide technology competition which aims to teach children how to surf safely online.

 MPs and e-skills UK, the IT sector skills council, have launched the seventh annual Make IT Happy challenge, designed to help primary school pupils stay savvy online and use the internet creatively.

Children have to create a digital poster about how to use the web, with regional finalists winning £1,200 and the overall winning school bagging £4,000.

Winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in June. 

Mr Ottaway said: "Staying safe online is an important skill even for primary-age children, and the competition helps them learn how to make the most of the internet without putting themselves at risk.

“I encourage all of the local primary schools to get involved with Make IT Happy this year. The competition helps children gain invaluable internet safely skills, and pass them on to other people. 

"I’m confident that pupils will enjoy the chance to work together on such an exciting and relevant project, as well as having the opportunity to win cash prizes for their school.”

The closing date for entries is April 6.