Teachers and students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lauded the efforts of stakeholders toward sensitising Abuja residents on the use of the internet as Nigerians join the world to celebrate the Internet Safety Day (ISD).
They gave the commendation at the occasion of the ISD celebration in Abuja on Tuesday with the theme“ Together for a Better Internet.’’
ISD is celebrated globally in February each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people and inspire a national conversation.
The day offers the opportunity to highlight positive uses of technology and to explore the role it plays in helping to create better and safer online community.
Mr. Joshua Okafor, an Information Technology Communication Teacher, Junior Secondary School Jabi, FCT, said there was urgent need to educate and equip students with right skills to avoid negative influences through the internet.
READ ALSO: APC alleges intimidation of traditional rulers, civil servants in Taraba
Okafor called for periodic sensitisation to awaken the consciousness of youths to the possible negative influences while educating them on the usefulness of the internet.
He, however, called on the organisers to make the event more inclusive to cover all schools to make people advance their knowledge.
Miss Sinachi Umeha, a teacher from Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Jabi 1, FCT, called on government at all levels to finance
private organisations that priotise ICT education.
Umeha also appealed to the government to provide internet infrastructure that would make it possible for children to be educated on positive internet usage.
Ms Chinenye Emmanuel, a primary six pupil at LEA Primary School, Jabi, said she was impressed with the teaching on web protection.
Emmanuel said that the teaching would afford her the opportunity to detect web criminals, as well as fight internet crimes by educating her
mates on things to look out for to avoid negative internet influence.
Jembo Ediomo, a JSS 3 student of Junior Secondary School, Jabi, said people use the internet for wrong motives which according to him should be avoided.
He said that with the teaching, he would be able to educate others on how to use the internet positively to enhance knowledge and skills.
Seember Nyager, the Nigeria Policy Lead, Google, said the day was unique as students and teachers would be taught on ways to avoid being negatively influenced while using the internet.
Nyager said that the gathering brought together young people, their teachers and parents to celebrate safer internet and advocate for things that could make the internet safe and free.
“In as much as we want the internet to be free and open, we want to ensure that people are responsible on it.
“There are several actors who show their talents online for global audience without having to pass through the bureaucracy of traditional systems.
“The internet has been a place that open up the space for people who otherwise may not have the opportunity, it creates a level playing field for all to work.”
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Ambode proposes N852.13b budget for 2019
She said that the best way to keep safe online was for everyone to take the responsibility to be internet safe.
Nyager said several initiatives were celebrated to create a place where children would be taught to protect the internet.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Public Private Development Centre (PPDC) in collaboration with Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and Google.
The organisations used the platform to announce two online safety initiatives which were aimed at amplifying the importance of online safety for everyone, and particularly for younger users.
In attendance were selected government secondary and primary schools in the FCT and high-points of the event included panel discussions on the workings of the internet and interactive session with ICT experts. (NAN)
