GATESHEAD COLLEGE FIRST TO APPOINT INTERNET SAFETY OFFICER

21/01/2010

Gateshead College has moved to ensure safer access to online services with the appointment of a new internet safety officer who will oversee an action plan to identify and reduce risks.

Iain Arthurs has been appointed to steer through a two-year initiative aimed at raising awareness of greater internet safety, not only among staff and students, but also the wider community who access the college services via email and online services.

Gateshead College is the first in the region to appoint an internet safety officer, which is being funded by Nominet Trust, a charitable organisation that provides funding for innovative projects, which strive to improve and encourage the development of a safe, educational and inclusive Internet.

Internet safety is a growing issue as more and more people have access to online services and the college's initiative follows the Department for Culture, Media & Sport's Digital Britain 2009 report.

This outlines how everyone can live and work online with confidence and safety and how computers can be protected by the simple measures people can take to reduce the threat from viruses, identify theft and online fraud.

The college's move also comes ahead of Safer Internet Day 2010 (February 9^th), a European initiative to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people around the world.

A key role for Iain will be to raise awareness of the risks to people who work in or interact with the college, including training key people to take the necessary precautions and encouraging them to pass on safety messages to students, their families and others.