The digital world is constantly evolving, creating new opportunities and challenges for children and young people. Whether you’re working in education, health, social care, youth work, or the voluntary sector, keeping your digital skills and media literacy up to date can help you better support the children and young people you work with.

We’ve brought together a range of online learning opportunities covering digital confidence and skills, online safety and digital safeguarding, online bullying, and artificial intelligence (AI). These resources can help you build confidence, strengthen your knowledge, and stay informed about emerging online trends and risks.

These opportunities are intended as a helpful starting point for professional learning and development. While inclusion in this list does not constitute endorsement, we encourage practitioners to explore resources, stay curious, and critically evaluate information and technologies as digital landscapes continue to evolve.

Building Your Digital Confidence and Skills

Digital confidence is increasingly important for both professionals and the people they support.

• Thriving in a Digital Age – This NES learning pathway supports health and social care staff to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a modern digital workplace. (Health and Social Care Staff)
• Essential Digital Skills – This resource from SCVO helps learners develop practical digital skills, improve digital confidence, and strengthen online safety awareness. (Suitable for all staff).
• Digital Learning – Learning opportunities from the Mhor Collective, including online safety, digital skills and media literacy, digital inclusion, and more. Email info@mhorcollective.com. (All staff)
• Discover Digital – Delivered by the ALLIANCE, these engagement sessions explore trusted digital tools and help build confidence in digital health and care technologies. (Health and Social Care; Community and Voluntary Sector)  

Online Safety and Digital Safeguarding

Understanding the online environments young people use is essential for providing effective support.

• Online Harms – This e-learning module from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde provides an introduction to online harms and supportive responses. A TURAS account is required – sign-up here. (All staff)
• Digital Safeguarding in Practice – Developed by CYCJ and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, this e-learning module provides an overview of the risks children may encounter when using digital technology and how professionals can respond effectively. (All staff)
• E-Safety Training (£) – e-Learning course form the NSPCC on emerging harms, radicalisation, sexting, and online grooming. (All staff)
• NSPCC Online Safety Webinars – An eight-part webinar series exploring key online safety topics, including harmful online content, online grooming, and social media. (Education staff).
• Digital Discourse – Digital Discourse from TIE offers practical tools, resources, and strategies to help professionals support young people to navigate digital spaces safely and critically. (Education staff)
• Lead Scotland – Training the trainers hub designed for professionals supporting disabled people to help them stay safe online and participate confidently in digital life. (Staff supporting disabled people)

Online Bullying

• Online Bullying – RespectMe’s online bullying learning module explores the impact of online bullying and supportive approaches. (All staff)
• Cyberbullying (£) – The National Children’s Bureau also offers a dedicated cyberbullying course for professionals working with children and young people. (All staff)

Understanding Artificial Intelligence

AI is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life. Developing AI literacy can help professionals better understand the opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations associated with these technologies.

• Introduction to AI – The Scottish AI Alliance offers a free introductory course that explains what AI is, how it affects everyday life, and some of the key ethical considerations around its use. (All staff)
• Living with AI – This free course from the Scottish AI Alliance encourages learners to understand what AI is, how its use affects everyday life, and ethical considerations around its use. (All staff)
• AI Literacy – This free module on TURAS is designed to help staff explore how AI tools might support their day-to-day work. A TURAS account is required – sign-up here. (All staff)
• AI Hub – Created by The Open University and Microsoft, AI Hub brings together a range of accessible learning resources for anyone looking to develop their understanding of artificial intelligence. (All staff)

Why Digital Skills and Media Literacy Matter

Professionals who understand online spaces, digital technologies, and emerging risks are better placed to support children and young people’s wellbeing, resilience, and informed decision-making.

Developing your own digital confidence can help you:

• Have more meaningful conversations about online experiences
• Recognise emerging online harms and risks
• Promote safe and responsible technology use
• Support digital inclusion and accessibility
• Understand the growing role of AI in young people’s lives
• Strengthen your own confidence using digital tools and platforms.

You can download this Online Learning Opportunities resource so you have all of this information to hand:

• Aye Mind newsletter – Online Learning Opportunities

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