Today is Safer Internet Day, and to mark the day mobile network operator EE is rolling out mobile and online safety training to its customer service employees, in order to help them give parents advice on how they can keep their children safe on the internet.

EE is partnering with Internet Matters to provide training for ‘thousands of employees across 600 retail stores’ to prepare staff on handing out advice to parents on safety options and filters, as well as directing them to helpful resources to help deal with subjects like cyberbullying.

“With the rapid pace of technology, parents can often feel bewildered when it comes to understanding the latest devices, apps and gadgets,” said Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters. “Were delighted to be partnering with EE to offer practical one-to-one advice in store and answer any questions parents may have about their childs online safety.”

To make it easier for parents to discuss internet safety with their children, EE has also teamed with Internet Matter to develop ‘The New Talk’. This initiative offers parents a series of tips to help direct their discussions with children about topics relating to online safety.

“We understand that parenting in the digital world can be a daunting job and, while many parents do discuss online safety with their children regularly, many device purchases are made without thinking about having the necessary ‘talk’,” said Marc Allera, CEO of EE and BT’s consumer businesses. “I am delighted that we’re training our customer service staff to support parents, like myself, to have ‘The New Talk’ on internet safety with their children – alongside support and advice on important issues such as online behaviour, safety and security.”