Rotherham United have teamed up with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust to once again support Safer Internet Day – Tuesday 7th February 2023 – in order to reiterate the importance of staying safe online, as well as sharing some key tips on how to do so.
Here at Rotherham United, we are as committed as ever to ensuring that our players, staff and supporters are aware of the various hazards that can come about with internet use and are always looking at ways in which we can ensure that we all stay safe online.
Today marks the 20th edition of the campaign, where millions across the UK and globally will be celebrating Safer Internet Day and Rotherham United has joined hundreds of other organisations including schools in pledging their support to the initiative.
With 2023 being the European Year of Skills, Safer Internet Day aims to highlight the learning opportunities available to all in the digital world, and the importance of ensuring that the largest possible numbers of users, especially children and young people are adequately prepared to handle digital technologies responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
As usual, much of the campaign's activity will play out on social media. Be sure to check out Safer Internet Day’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, and review the #SaferInternetDay and #SID2023 hashtags to keep track of - and contribute to - the discussions.
Rotherham United Safeguarding Officer Julie Shore is responsible for ensuring the safeguarding of youngers and vulnerable adults across a number of events from matchdays, to community activities and, indeed, anything connected with Rotherham United.
People’s online safety fits this particular bill and she has stressed the importance of everyone being aware of the risks presented on the web.
She told www.themillers.co.uk:
“Everyone’s safety online is of paramount importance to us at the football club and it is important that we are all aware of the dangers that the internet can present, but also to be informed how to use it safely and responsibly.
“My role involves safeguarding throughout the entire club, that covers every area from matchdays to those involved in the Academy setup and everything that happens through the week and the internet is a huge of the lives of everyone I encounter.
“We encourage and support young people and children who use our facilities to use the internet, social media and their mobile phones in a way that keeps them safe as well as showing respect to others. We also have clear and robust procedures in place to enable us to respond efficiently and appropriately to any incidents.
“Our information systems are regularly reviewed and we are always ensuring that any social media platforms and new technologies are risk assessed before they are used within our organisation. We also provide supervision, support and training for all staff and volunteers in order to keep them safe and aware.
“It is important to stress that we would not like to discourage anybody to use the internet, which has certainly helped enrich all of our lives, however, we are determined to make sure that everyone who uses it is aware of the risks and does so in a safe and responsible way.”