WINCHESTER MP Steve Brine joined children from Merdon Junior School in discussing online safety as part of a programme by Google.

Mr Brine visited the school in Chandler’s Ford for a special assembly for Google’s Be Internet Legends programme which aims to support children, families and schools across the country in cyber safety.

The pupils were advised on the best ways to be safe and feel more confident online, including the five pillars of the Be internet Legends programme:

●          Be Sharp and Think Before You Share

●          Be Alert and Check it’s For Real

●          Be Secure and Protect Your Stuff

●          Be Kind and Respect Each Other

●          Be Brave and When in Doubt, Discuss.

READ MORE: Winchester MP Steve Brine welcomes new funding for Hampshire schools

The assembly focused on how to think critically in online spaces to avoid scams and phishing, how to protect data and privacy and how to communicate positively and sensitively.

The Winchester and Chandler’s Ford MP then spoke to the children about the importance of being safe online and the dangers of misinformation.

Google UK’s public policy manager, Rosie Luff, said: “We were delighted to visit Merdon Junior School today to help teach children about how to Be Internet Legends.

“By teaching what we believe are the five core areas of online safety, we want to prepare children to have a safe and positive experience online.”

SEE ALSO: Currys branch closes its doors for good following rent increase

Founder and CEO of Parent Zone, Vicki Shotbolt, said: “It is essential that children learn to think carefully and critically about what they do and see online. Parent Zone has teamed with Google to teach younger children the essential tools they need to become safe and confident online explorers, helping them be resilient, kind and positive in this digital age.”

The programme delivered in partnership with Parent Zone has trained more than 5m children across the UK.

According to an independent evaluation, following Google training children are twice as likely to show an improved understanding of internet safety.