Pupils rewarded for safe app
Industrious pupils at Ysgol Y Preseli in Crymych have won a national award after developing an app to help young people choose a safe online username.
The school’s Digital Leaders students (years 9-12) were presented with the award for their My Username Generator app when the school hosted a ‘Safer Internet Day’ event.
The competition was run in partnership by the Welsh Government and the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) Trust.
The pupils came up with the idea despite the competition’s wide ranging brief that asked how the internet could be made better.
“We discussed a number of different ways we thought we could make the internet better but we decided this was the best option,” said Sam Knight, who helped with its development.
“One of the problems primary age pupils face when choosing an online username is they can give too much sensitive information away and our app aims to combat that.
“Our app helps make that process safe by asking the username for their favourite colour, animal and number and then it automatically generates one for you.”
The app was launched in conjunction with the Safer Internet Day event at the school where local primary schools and year 7-9 pupils took part in a number of eSafety activities.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Economy and Communities, Councillor Keith Lewis said that although the internet has its benefits, people should always be aware and praised the pupils for their ingenuity.
“In many ways, the internet has made our lives easier. It provides a boost to individuals and communities yet unfortunately there are some people out there who will see an opportunity and seize it for all the wrong reasons.
“The beauty of this app is its simplicity and the school’s Digital Leaders deserve all the praise that comes their way in creating something so useful.
“Not only does it help youngsters choose a safe online username, it’s easy enough for technophobes like myself to use.”
The My Username Generator app can be downloaded via the app store or via Google Play store.
Caption
Pictured from left to right are, Duncan Whitehurst, ICT Challenge Adviser for Pembrokeshire, Cllr Keith Lewis, LEA (County Council Deputy Leader), Kate Evan-Hughes, Director of Education, Pemrokeshire, Michael Davies, Headteacher Ysgol y Preseli, Bea Holderness, Project Co-ordinator SWGfL, Ken Corish, Online Safety Manager SWGfL, Dave Stacey, Welsh Government, Serena Davies, eLearning Co-ordinator, Ysgol y Preseli, Sam Knight, Grace Carlisle, Jamie Line, Grace Stangroome, Catrin Wilshaw, Hannah Christie
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