|
As children across Cumbria return to the classroom this September, many will also be spending more time online. From completing homework and accessing learning platforms to researching projects and collaborating with classmates, digital connectivity has become an essential part of modern education.
While the internet opens up exciting opportunities for learning and development, it's natural for parents and carers to have concerns about their children's online safety. The good news is that stronger protections are now being introduced across the UK to help make the online world safer for children. In this month’s newsletter we signpost some resources and information which may be useful.
For most young people, being online is a normal part of everyday life. Educational websites, virtual classrooms, video tutorials and digital resources can all help children learn new skills and achieve their potential. At the same time, it's important that children understand how to navigate the online world safely and confidently.
Parents and carers can help by:
- Having regular conversations about online experiences.
- Encouraging children to speak up if something online makes them uncomfortable.
- Using parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps.
- Taking an interest in the games, websites and social media platforms children use.
- Agreeing family rules around screen time and online behaviour.
Creating an open and supportive environment often remains one of the most effective ways to help keep children safe online.
Parents and carers may find the CBBC 8 top tips for staying safe online - CBBC a useful resource to support conversations with children about staying safe online.
|
As the UK's online safety regulator, Ofcom has introduced new measures to strengthen protections for children using websites, apps, social media platforms, search services and online games. These measures are being implemented under the Online Safety Act (you can find out more about this legislation below) and place greater responsibility on technology companies to protect young users.
Ofcom has also published a dedicated guide for parents explaining the new protections and what they mean for families. – this can be found here.
Further information can be found here.
|
The UK Government's Online Safety Act represents one of the biggest changes to internet regulation in a generation. The legislation places legal duties on social media companies, search engines and other online platforms to protect children from harmful and age-inappropriate content. You can find out more about the UK Government’s Online Safety Act here.
Since July 2025, platforms have been required to take stronger action to protect children, including using age assurance measures, reducing exposure to harmful content and providing clear ways to report problems when they occur. Ofcom has the power to investigate companies that fail to comply and can impose significant financial penalties where necessary.
These changes are designed to help ensure that children can continue to benefit from the opportunities the internet provides while being better protected from harm.
You can find practical information from trusted places to help you feel more confident on the steps you can take to protect your child online here.
|
As digital technology becomes increasingly important in education, there has never been a better time for families across Cumbria to review their home broadband and mobile connectivity.
With nearly 97% of premises now able to access superfast broadband, more than 87% benefiting from gigabit-capable speeds, and more than 99% of properties in Cumbria covered by outdoor 4G from at least one provider, Cumbria continues to lead the way as one of the UK’s strongest counties for rural digital connectivity, making this an ideal time to review your connectivity options.
The start of a new school year is a good opportunity to check whether better connectivity options are now available at your address. We would urge readers to refer to the Ofcom Broadband and mobile coverage checker to gain an understanding of what services can be accessed at a given property and for comparing provider options.
Whether it's supporting homework, helping young people develop digital skills, or enabling families to stay safely connected, September is the perfect time to make sure your household is making the most of the digital opportunities now available across Cumbria.
|
The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria, delivered in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, is now open for applications. The fund seeks to provide support to organisations working to tackle digital poverty and exclusion across Cumbria.
For many students, digital poverty remains a barrier to opportunity. Access to a reliable internet connection is only part of the picture: some children and young people don’t have access to suitable devices, while others may need additional support to develop the skills and confidence needed to participate fully in an increasingly digital world.
The Fund provides grants of normally up to £2,000 for eligible organisations (schools are excluded but PTAs and ‘Friends Of’ groups are normally eligible) and has a particular focus on young people aged 18 and under, alongside older people. Funding can support projects providing access to devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, as well as digital skills training and initiatives that improve access to online services and resources.
Previous Cumbrian projects have demonstrated how relatively modest investments in technology can make a significant difference. For example, funding has provided iPads for primary school pupils, with the devices also being used for intergenerational digital-skills projects in the wider community.
Further information and eligibility details are available from Cumbria Community Foundation – Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria.
Opening date is Friday 11th Sept, Closing date 9th Oct.
Last year, the Connecting Cumbria team had the pleasure of meeting Wallace from the Rural2Kitchen podcast on the UK Agri-Tech Centre stand at the North Sheep Association event in Greystoke. Since then, we've been inspired by his passion for using digital technology to share knowledge, connect communities and provide valuable educational opportunities for people of all ages. Through his podcast and online content, Wallace is a fantastic example of how digital connectivity can help people learn, develop new skills and access expertise wherever they live.
We talked to Wallace about the importance of online connectivity in supporting what he does, and his support for Cumbria’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy which is seeking to ensure no one and no place is left behind in terms of online connectivity.
Read the full story here.
|
We'd love to hear how improved connectivity is making a difference to people across Cumbria.
Has faster broadband helped your family access educational platforms and online homework resources? Has improved mobile coverage made it easier to study, develop new skills or stay connected? Perhaps better connectivity has helped your business grow, enabled remote working, or opened up new opportunities for your community.
We're particularly keen to hear from:
- Parents and carers supporting children with online learning.
- Students and adult learners accessing educational platforms and training courses.
- Schools, colleges and community groups using digital technology to support learning.
- Residents who have benefited from improved broadband or mobile connectivity.
- Businesses using better connectivity to innovate, grow and reach new markets.
Your story could feature in a future Connecting Cumbria newsletter, press release, website article or social media campaign, helping to inspire others across the county to make the most of the digital opportunities available to them.
To share your story, contact the Connecting Cumbria team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.
You can keep up to date with the latest digital connectivity news, updates and opportunities by following Connecting Cumbria on social media:
Facebook
X
Together, we're building a Cumbria where everyone has the opportunity to learn, work and thrive online.
|
|
