YOUNG authors from a North East primary school have teamed up with university experts to create a series of picture books all about staying safe online.

For the last two years, pupils at Moorside Primary School, in Consett, have been working with specialists from Durham University to produce three picture books about online safety – written by children, for children.

Dr Cristina Costa, an associate professor in the School of Education at Durham University, who led the project with her colleague, Dr Michaela Oliver, said: “The internet is something that pervades everyone’s lives, and children are not outside this reality, so we want to prepare them early.

“It has been spectacular to work with these children over the last two years, and these books are a great result of their hard work. I’m delighted to be celebrating these publications with them.

“You can see the value this project has had for them, and now it’s going to go out there and create value for other children, and for parents who will have this support for discussing these important issues with their children.”

Dr Cristina Costa worked with the children over two years to develop the booksDr Cristina Costa worked with the children over two years to develop the books (Image: Chris Barron)

As well as sharing their thoughts and experiences, the children contributed illustrations using various media, including drawing, painting, and clay sculptures, which were then adapted by a professional illustrator.

Jaxson Harrison, one of the pupils who worked on the books, said: “It’s been really cool. We talked about apps like SnapChat, TikTok, and Instagram, and about what’s safe and not safe with those apps.

“So, some of things we put in the books that isn’t safe is stuff like saying our names on TikTok, or putting out phone numbers. It was really useful.”

The children used games and activities to communicate online safety lessonsThe children used games and activities to communicate online safety lessons (Image: Chris Barron)

Class teacher, Hollie McMullan, said: “The children started working on the books in Year 4 – now they’re Year 6 students preparing to leave Moorside Primary, and we’re happy to know they’re leaving us knowing how to keep themselves safe online.

“This project has been really positive for them. It has been nice for them to be able to discuss what they know about internet safety and digital literacy, and to help write the books and see their ideas brought to life.

“Some of them have even said this has inspired them to be authors when they grow up, which is wonderful.”