KCOM has marked Safer Internet Day by introducing its new champion in the fight to keep children safe online.
The award-winning broadband provider joined with HEY Children’s University to welcome 50 youngsters from five local primary schools to Hull’s MKM Stadium, on Tuesday, to take part in a range of fun online safety activities.
For the first time KCOM’s internet safety experts were joined by their new mascot KOMIT, a colourful character designed to help children learn about the positives and pitfalls of being online.
Louise Babych, KCOM’s Community Impact Partner, said: “KCOM is committed to boosting digital inclusion throughout our region – but that also means teaching the next generation about staying safe online.
“We been holding Safer Internet Day events for more than a decade now, reaching many local school children and helping them to understand the dangers that may be lurking online.
“That’s why we’re delighted to introduce KOMIT today. He’s a colourful character who’ll help us to keep taking that safety message out to local schools and children in a fun but informative way.”
The event follows KCOM’s pledge to double the number of STEM and online safety events it hosts for youngsters. The promise, made last year at an event celebrating the success of KCOM’s Digital Inclusion Grants, means thousands more children across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire will have the chance to thrive online.
Kenneth Ross, KCOM’s Chief People Officer, said: “We live in an increasingly digital world where, if you don’t have access to the internet, there’s a danger of being left behind. We’re determined that as many local children as possible can fulfil their potential and expand their horizons – and we know that our new friend KOMIT will be able to help them do it in a safe way.”
This year’s Safer Internet Day has the theme of Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI and youngsters attending said they’d enjoyed KOMIT’s first visit to Hull.
Eleven-year-old Henry Smith, of St James CE Academy, said: “I like that he’s a robot. I like his design. He looks pretty cool. I’ve enjoyed today a lot. It’s better than normal school and great to come to the football stadium. The internet is something we all use – so it’s good to know more about it.”
Year Six pupil Bashor Ahmad, 11, from Adelaide Primary School, said: “It’s good to know what to do and what not to do online. I think KOMIT’s a good way to help teach people about the dangers on the internet.”
Abigail Barnett, 10, from Biggin Hill Primary School, added: “I think internet safety is really important and I’ve learned a lot about AI and what it can be used for today.”
To find out more about KCOM’s Digital Inclusion work in the community, visit www.kcom.com/responsibility/sustainability/community
To find out more about its Digital Inclusion Grants, visit www.kcom.com/responsibility/sustainability/digital-inclusion-grants