BT and UNICEF launch online child safety initiative for UK schools
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BT and UNICEF launch online child safety initiative for UK schools

UK operator BT and UNICEF have partnered to launch a new initiative aimed at improving online safety for children.

The Right Click initiative, launched today, is designed to empower children to stay safe while taking advantage of the benefits of the internet.

The three-year partnership will see BT and UNICEF deliver workshops and training sessions in 100 schools in the UK in the first year. 600 trained and accredited BT volunteers will set up online safety sessions for teachers, parents and children.

Aiming to reach over 21,000 parents and children, the programme is designed to allow teachers to continue the workshops independently.

According to a study launched by BT in preparation of the Right Click initiative, 75% of parents would welcome more support when it comes to talking to their children about online safety.

“Together with UNICEF, and using our technical expertise on online security, we have developed digital and interactive workshops for parents, children and teachers,” said Pete Oliver, commercial director of the consumer division at the BT launch event in London. “We hope that our workshops will start communication between parents and children on the matter of online safety.”

The initiative builds on UNICEF’s existing Rights Respecting Schools programme, an initiative targeting schools in disadvantaged areas that makes children aware of their rights.

“We are delighted to be working with BT to bring our Rights Respecting Schools programme to even more schools and to work with BT’s expert volunteers to give children, parents and teachers the support they need to keep their families safe online,” said Catherine Cottrell, deputy executive director of fundraising at UNICEF UK.

BT funding will also allow UNICEF to recruit 80 additional schools to the Rights Respecting Schools programme.

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