10. Short Debate: Doctored Pictures, Doctored Lives

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:08 pm on 30 January 2019.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 7:08, 30 January 2019

Yes, certainly, I'd be happy to write to you with some more information on the research to which I was referring.

So, the resources that I was referring to are adding to what is a growing resource on the online safety zone, and schools across Wales are encouraged to use those materials. And next week, of course, on 5 February, we will join in the global celebration in recognising Safer Internet Day, as an official supporter. This year's theme is very important: 'together for a better internet'. 

However, our work isn't limited to resources specifically about the online world. For young people, the online world and their offline world are often woven so intrinsically together that they can feel like they're one and the same. We need to help young people excel in all aspects of life so that they grow into adults who are healthy, confident individuals. Education should encourage and support young people to respect themselves and others to value diversity and give them the ability to build healthy, respectful relationships. The new curriculum that the Welsh Government is developing puts those principles at the heart of learning. We do need to remember, however, that the online world can bring many benefits and that some people are missing out on them. Tackling digital exclusion is vital if we are to create an equal society, where everybody has the same opportunity to access online public services, and where everybody has the same chance to find work, to learn and to save money by purchasing cheaper goods and services online. So, in one way or another, the internet is here to stay. It can impact on almost every aspect of our everyday lives, so we have to do all that we can to make sure it is a safe, respectful place for everyone.