KCOM joins forces with ‘Geek Dad’ online gaming expert for Safer Internet Day
To mark Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, 9 February, KCOM has joined forces with online gaming expert and journalist Andy Robertson to give parents the vital tools they need to keep their children safe on the internet.
Andy, who has three children of his own and writes under the banner of ‘Geek Dad’, has written about technology for families for 15 years.
He is a freelance family technology expert for the BBC and Sky News and recently released a book called Taming Gaming for parents. He also runs the Family Video Game Database to help parents keep games safe and healthy for children.
For Safer Internet Day, Andy has created a special online video guide packed with hints and tips which will guide parents through the pitfalls and opportunities of online video games – especially at a time when many youngsters are spending more time online due to the pandemic.
Andy said: “Working with KCOM to get the message out to parents has been excellent.
“At a time like this, parents need advice that supports and guide them rather than points the finger.
“The content we’re creating will address worries about game violence, addiction and screen time but with real insight and advice rather than the all-too-common panic tactics.”
Parents can watch Andy’s short film and find out where to learn more about online safety on KCOM’s Facebook page on Tuesday, 9 February, from 10am.
Safer Internet Day 2021 is the 11th annual event of its kind and this year has a theme of “An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world”.
Subjects tackled by the nationwide event this year include learning how to spot fake news and finding trustworthy websites online.
KCOM chief executive officer Dale Raneberg said: “I’m delighted that we’ve joined forces with Andy to provide some essential guidance for parents for Safer Internet Day.
“The internet can often be challenging for parents who are sometimes way behind their children when it comes to their knowledge of the latest developments in the online world. Andy will use his expertise to guide parents and carers to give them a great starting point from where they can enjoy the internet together safely as a family.”
For more advice about what games are suitable for your children visit Andy’s website at www.taminggaming.com
To learn more about Safer Internet Day and how you can get involved visit www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2021
For more information about what KCOM can do to keep you and your family safe online click here