Google, NFVCB train 250 students on ‘Safer Internet’

FOR productive use of the Internet, search engine, Google, in collaboration with the National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), recently organized a training workshop for about 250 students on ‘Safe Internet’.

The event, which took place at Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, was part of programmes lined up to commemorate this year’s ‘Safer Internet Day’.

Charging the participating students, Google’s Policy & Government Relations Manager, Titi Akinsanmi said, “a safe Internet is undoubtedly good for everyone. We all use the Internet, so it is important for government, the organised private sector and civil societies to continue to collaborate to develop and promote strong policies aimed at improving the safety of users while on the Web. As the online safety landscape continues to evolve, key stakeholders need to employ smarter tools that will ensure the online environment remains safe for everyone”.

This year’s event was themed “Play Your Part for a Better Internet. ”It centred on creating awareness and sensitising the web public on online conducts.

Also present at the training were Seember Nyager from Home Vida and Terry Odey from the National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), who have partnered Google Nigeria for the second year running to commemorate the day.

As part of events marking the day, Google announced the launch of the Web Rangers program in Nigeria. The program, which currently runs in 10 countries, provides workshops, which aim to train young people to become ‘online safety ambassadors’ who will help raise awareness on online safety among their peers and in their schools.

“We will be working with the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and HomeVida, to train over 10,000 Nigerian students via the Web Rangers face-to-face training sessions and via the newly launched online portal at www.saferinternet.org.ng,” said Akinsanmi.

Google also announced the launch of its Security Checkup tool, which gives Google account owners a quick way to control their security settings, manage recovery phone numbers and control what devices are connected to their accounts.

Since 2004, Safer Internet Day (SID) has been celebrated on the second day of the second week of the second month of the year. SID seeks to promote safer and more responsible use of online technologies, now including mobile Internet.

Born in Europe, SID has grown rapidly, now spreading to over 100 countries worldwide, with thousands of people involved in events to promote safer Internet use. In the past three years, Google has observed SID with the rest of the world, managing to reach out to over 600 learners, teachers and parents to raise good digital citizens for effective utilization of the Internet.