NK Theatre Arts returned to schools this month for the first time since the start of the pandemic to support classes with internet safety sessions.

“The Net” was a programme of delivery, which saw theatre performances and follow up workshops aimed at keeping children safe when interacting online, being mindful of information they divulge and ensuring that they are always guarded when talking to people they don’t know.

Dawn Wrigley, Head of Theatre in Education for NK said, “Over these past two years so much of a child’s life has been spent online and it is absolutely vital we do everything we can to keep them safe. The Net tells the tale of a girl who made bad choices and we show the different pitfalls that can await them when using social media, online gaming and even just start to talk to people over the internet with whom they don’t know. It is important they can identify themselves in the characters and know how to get help if they think they need it”

For the first time, the company were asked to also perform the drama to parents as well as children.

Dawn continued “The online world changes so quickly and it is often children leading the way and keeping up with this whilst parents can get left behind and not understand some of the apps and games their youngsters are using. Some parents had no idea that for example many apps share location of their users or need specific settings to keep information private. It is so important that parents have an honest approach to dialogue on this issue to play their part in keeping people safe.”

Other agencies attending the performances included representatives from the NSPCC and Neil Evans, the Strategic Advisor to the Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Police, Crime and Criminal Justice who said:

“I was extremely impressed with the performance and enjoyed watching it and being at the theatre. Perhaps more importantly though, my attention was drawn to the way the young children that the play is aimed at seemed to be engrossed and watching throughout. The questions that they asked afterwards demonstrated that they had paid attention and the intended messages hit home. It was very thought provoking in terms of demonstrating the potential for live performances to positively educate people of all ages”.

The performances as part of internet safety week were part funded by Stockport software solutions company CDL who have been keen to support the outreach work in schools over the last few years with Company Manager Darren Stannage saying:

“We are extremely grateful to CDL for their help with this project, as we all know so many schools are facing tough budget choices at the moment, so to help keep costs down with matched funding is absolutely vital as without this help so many children would miss out on this vital message.

Any school interested in finding out about the project can contact Dawn on 0161-430-6570 or by emailing dawn@nkta.co.uk