Royal Air Force Charitable Trust helping to keep youngsters safe on Safer Internet Day
- 11th Feb 2025
Over 20,000 young people across the UK are set to be given advice on how to stay safe online, thanks to an initiative delivered by Tech She Can in partnership with the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT).
Children from schools will be taking part in a live lesson which will help keep children safe online and was developed with the help of GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre,
Delivered by qualified teachers, the 40-minute session sees pupils explore biometrics through a bespoke animation as well as a Q&A session with real-life role models who work in cyber security.
Statistics from the NSPCC state that almost on in five 10–15-year-olds admit to speaking to people online who they have never met, whilst the children’s charity also claims that roughly a sixth of people who experienced online harassment are under 18-years-old.
Dr Kevin Stenson, Director at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust said: “We are delighted to be a partner of Tech She Can, in particular on this lesson for Safer Internet Day.
“Inspiring the next generation in STEM is at the heart of what we do, and initiatives like this help equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in our increasingly digital world.
“While many children are tech-savvy, technology is constantly evolving. That's why partnerships like this are so important in helping us reach and support young learners, particularly those who do not have access to tech at home.
“Tech She Can do a fantastic job of making technology and STEM engaging and accessible, encouraging young people to be a part of the future of innovation.”
RAFCT is based in Gloucestershire and is powered by the world’s largest military airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo which is hosted at RAF Fairford.
It aims to inspire young people from 5 to 25 to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology, and to promote the RAF.
The reach afforded to RAFCT by the Royal International Air Tattoo puts it in a unique position to bring together the defence, aviation and technology sectors with charities and other organisations working to bring the world of STEM, aviation and space to life for young people.
This is RAFCT’s second year of working with Tech She Can, with two lessons on Tech for Sustainable Transport, and Tech for Living in Space, reaching more than 20,000 young people in 2024. Tech She Can’s aim to be champions of change and technology for all makes them an ideal partner for RAFCT.
Becky Patel, Head of Education and Learning at Tech She Can said: "We are thrilled with the number of primary and secondary students who attended our Tech for Cyber Security live lessons.
“We created and launched this lesson as part of our partnership with the RAF Charitable Trust only two weeks ago and this resource has already reached and inspired thousands of children across the UK and beyond.
“In our Tech for Cyber security lesson the children explore why and how we need to keep our information safe online and the many different people and technology helping us to do this.
“Don't worry if you missed out this time, there will be lots more opportunities to join us live or catch the recording at any time which suits you."
