The schools have received the Digital Wellbeing Award through the Digital Schools Award Programme in addition to revalidating their Digital Schools Awards received in 2017 and 2018.
The Digital School Awards, which were launched in 2015, with backing from tech giants led by HP Inc., and is validated by Education Scotland. It provides support for schools to help pupils and their families stay safe online in an ever-expanding digital landscape.
Unified approach
A unified approach to cyber resilience and digital wellbeing across each school within the McLaren High catchment area has been developed as every primary school is now working towards achieving the award.
Head of Deanston Primary, Matthew Hurding said: “The digital world provides such an integral learning platform for all of our children. Like any tool, it is imperative that it is used safely and responsibly. McLaren’s unified approach to Digital Wellbeing has equipped all of our learning community and families with the skills to do so in an ever changing digital landscape.”
Head of Doune Primary, Andrew Clark said: “Our learners have shown such enthusiasm towards using digital tools in school and at home. The approach we have taken within McLaren to ensure a common theme of Digital Wellbeing and Safety with each school and family will equip our community with the most up to date knowledge and skills to safely access the technology they love using.”
'Internet safety is increasingly important'
Children and Young People Convener, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “Ensuring that our children are safe while using the internet is becoming increasingly important as we continue to spend more of our time online.
“The staff and pupils at Doune and Deanston Primary Schools have done a fantastic job in making sure every young learner and parent is supported in staying safe both at school and at home. Being the first schools in Stirling to receive the Digital Wellbeing Award is a testament to the efforts they’ve made on this.
“It’s highly encouraging that schools within the McLaren Learning Cluster are working together on a shared approach to digital wellbeing and are sharing their findings with schools throughout Stirling in an effort to be alert to the various threats that can be encountered while navigating the digital world.”
