STUDENTS are preparing to stage a rap battle and other creative activities to promote Safer Internet Day.

'Create, Connect and Share Respect' is the theme of Safer Internet Day which is being marked around the UK today.

The students and staff of Walney School are promoting the importance of online safety and using technology and social media in a positive way throughout the whole week.

Schools will be exploring the role everyone plays in helping to create a better and safer online community.

The day calls upon young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers, and the wider community, to join together in helping to create a better internet.

At Walney School the students are getting involved in a host of interactive events.

The young people are sharing their top tips throughout the day on the school's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Year Seven are also be looking at rhyme and rhythm and creating Safer Internet related material to use in a rap battle.

Students throughout the year groups at the island secondary school are taking part in lessons and workshops around the Safer Internet Day themes. They will discuss the importance of not sharing personal information and photos online. The groups will talk through various scenarios, such as the appropriate action to be taken if they receive a nasty message or comment.

Students will be encouraged to talk to family members and teachers about any issues that happen through social media.

The young people will also look at the positives of the internet and how it can be put to good use for their studies and interests.

Kerry Stockdale, the head of Year Seven at Walney School, said: "It's about giving our students the tools to stay safe online, but it is also important to look at the benefits the internet brings against the pitfalls."

Dave Cubiss, deputy head at Walney School, said: "Internet safety is a huge area. All the heads of year are running Safer Internet Day activities.

"One of the sessions will be looking at how the internet can be a source of stress and how young people can deal with that stress.

"We will be talking about not sharing personal information online and making sure their friends are not sharing photos of them.

"It's also about educating students to switch off social media in good time before bed to let their brains function properly."