A new generation of whizz kids dubbed the “iGeneration”*, who will start to enter the workforce as graduates from 2022, will demand much more than a standard work mobile or laptop to help them do their jobs and will expect the highest standards of internet safety, according to new research published to celebrate Safer Internet Day.
Of the 2,000 six to 14-year olds questioned, more than half (51%) believe it’ll be hard to get a job in the future if people don’t know how to stay safe online.
Digital creativity will also be hugely important, as 40% think future employees will struggle to get a job if they don’t know how to code or can’t create their own digital content such as apps, YouTube videos, podcasts or music. Out of all the age groups, 10 and 11 year-olds came out as valuing digital skills the most in their future jobs (47%).
The new report was compiled by Disney Club Penguin. Commenting on the findings, Boel Ferguson, Vice President and General Manager, Disney Interactive EMEA & UK, said: “With a new generation of children set to bring new and necessary skills to the workplace by the time they graduate, it’s important they stay safe while they learn how to use technology. It’s even more important for us to ensure parents have all the information they need to achieve that. That’s why we’re calling on parents to support and encourage their children to explore all that technology has to offer on Safer Internet Day by visiting www.disney.co.uk/internet-safety for advice.”
In support of Safer Internet Day, Disney will air a special episode of Disney Channel’s Austin and Ally, which addresses the issues of cyberbullying, a short Phineas & Ferb ‘Surf Smart’ programme and a Club Penguin online safety video. This is in addition to a dedicated schools workshop at Disney Club Penguin HQ in Brighton and ongoing work with Childnet, CEOP and IWF, helping to create a better internet together.
For more information visit www.disney.co.uk/internet-safety
