Techosaurus launches to help young learners stay safe online
Techosaurus Saves the School! is an interactive picture book designed to help children aged 4 to 7 develop the knowledge, confidence and positive habits needed to stay safe online. Through the adventures of Techosaurus and a group of troublesome online dinobots, learners are introduced to four key online safety messages: Play, Protect, Ask and Say.
The resource was officially launched at the National Eisteddfod on Tuesday 4 August, where Welsh singer, television and radio presenter Lisa Angharad delivered a special story-time reading for children and families. The event was attended by the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, and the First Minister, who visited the NSPCC Cymru stand to learn more about the resource and its role in helping children develop the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world safely.
Funded by Welsh Government, the bilingual resource supports schools in developing children's digital resilience from an early age. It encourages positive online behaviours and helps children understand how to be kind online, protect personal information, ask before trying something new online and speak to a trusted adult if something makes them feel worried or upset. Copies of the book will be distributed to primary schools and libraries across Wales from September.
Ahead of the launch, Anna Brychan, Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, said:
Technology plays an important role in children's lives, bringing opportunities to learn, create and connect. It is equally important that children develop the skills and confidence to navigate the online world safely.
Techosaurus Saves the School! introduces key online safety messages in a fun, engaging and age-appropriate way. We are pleased to support this resource and the valuable work being undertaken by NSPCC Cymru to help children across Wales stay safe online.
NSPCC Cymru’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Cecile Gwilym, said:
This is a significant opportunity to support children’s understanding of online safety and to address a gap in online safety resources for primary school aged learners.
Delivering resources in both English and Welsh ensures they are accessible to children across Wales and reflects both the Welsh curriculum and NSPCC Cymru’s commitment to supporting and promoting the Welsh language.
The book is designed for young children who are beginning to use technology and the internet. It presents online safety in a positive way, helping children develop healthy digital habits, routines and behaviours from an early age, while building basic online safety knowledge and skills.
The book can be used in classrooms, school libraries and wider wellbeing and digital learning activities, with additional learning activities and supporting materials available through the NSPCC. The NSPCC Schools Service also provides a wide range of bilingual safeguarding resources in Welsh and English for educators and the children they work with.
Schools, parents and carers can also access a range of online safety guidance, resources and support in Hwb's Keeping safe online area.
