Digital skills boost for Devon schools

Schools across Devon and Cornwall are being invited to take part in a new programme to help young people navigate the online world with confidence.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has partnered with children’s tech and education charity Common Sense Media UK to deliver free media literacy training and resources for teachers and students in the region.

The scheme will provide schools and local authorities with tailored planning, teacher training and ready-to-use classroom resources, all aimed at helping pupils question, create and communicate effectively in the digital age.

The programme supports national calls for better digital education, including the Department for Education’s curriculum review and the House of Lords report on media literacy, which both highlight the importance of preparing students for the challenges of misinformation, social media and artificial intelligence.

Common Sense Media’s free online resources and Digital Citizenship Curriculum are already widely used, offering lesson plans, CPD opportunities and workshops for schools, teachers, children and families.

Claire Levens, Head of Media Literacy Policy and Evaluation at Ofcom, said: “Teachers play a vital role in helping children make sense of the content they see online. By equipping schools with practical skills and resources, we can support young people to stay safe and flourish online.”

Lord Ed Vaizey, Chair of Common Sense Media UK, added: “In today’s fast-moving digital world, helping young people build the skills to think critically, stay safe and thrive online is more important than ever. Our free Digital Citizenship Curriculum is giving schools the tools they need to make a real difference.”