Making a positive difference to lives online is ‘massively rewarding’

Being at the heart of Childnet’s online safety work is rewarding, varied and fun.

So, over the coming weeks and months, we will be asking members of the Childnet team to tell us more about their roles and the exciting projects they are currently working on.

First up is Phoebe Moriarty Roberts, who joined us as an Education Officer in 2017 having previously been a primary and secondary school youth worker chaplain.

Now an Assistant Education Manager, Phoebe is passionate about giving young people a voice and enabling them to make positive choices in life.

What do you love about your role?

Phoebe: One of my favourite things is that no two days are ever the same. A large part of my time is spent visiting schools to lead sessions for children, young people, staff and parents – and I also deliver many of these sessions virtually following the pandemic. Another aspect of my role is the design and implementation of online safety projects and resources, which often takes place in collaboration with people from other charities or tech organisations.

What project(s) are you working on?

Phoebe: Thrive Online is a new project that aims to empower young people with SEND to build happy and healthy online relationships. We’ve been working with schools across the country to create resources on the topics of Healthy Relationships, Digital Wellbeing and Online Pornography for young people between the ages of 11-17 and their parents. We are really excited about the launch of our new lesson plans, films and topic guidance for parents in May, and have already received some brilliant feedback from those who have been involved in the pilot scheme so far.

Best thing about being part of the team?

Phoebe: Firstly, the Childnet team is very friendly, caring and committed to the work they do, which makes it a great place to work. Secondly, the organisation offers everyone a range of opportunities, and people are encouraged to get involved in new ideas and initiatives alongside their day job.

Biggest achievements in your role?

Phoebe: It always feels massively rewarding when you hear that an online safety session you have led has made a real impact on the children and young people and a positive difference to their lives online. There is also a sense of achievement whenever a big resource is launched to the public and people up and down the country start using it and share their positive feedback with us. One that I was recently leading was called the STAR Toolkit. Lots of my other favourite moments at Childnet are simply funny conversations and shared achievements with my colleagues in the Education Team!