The event started with an interactive assembly led by online safety experts Gareth Cort and Boris Radanovic. Students from across Liverpool learnt how to recognise online scams, focusing on key warning signs:

• Unbelievable incentives—If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Emotional triggers—Scams create excitement, shock, or fear to push quick decisions.
• Urgency tactics—Pressuring users to act fast before thinking critically.
• Fake sources—Messages from unknown senders posing as trusted contacts.
• Unexpected communication—Be cautious if contact is unsolicited.
• Requests for personal data or money.
• Suspicious links or QR codes—Leading to fraudulent websites.
• Errors in content—Typos and inconsistencies often signal a scam.

Using real-life examples, students analysed scams and discussed ways to stay safe. The session also highlighted support services like the Professionals Online Safety Helpline, ensuring schools know where to turn for help.

After the assembly, students put their knowledge to the test, creating their own scam examples based on real online experiences. Many reflected the common tactics disused earlier in the day and presented examples that included fake gaming rewards, celebrity meet-and-greet scams, and money requests. This activity reinforced the prevalence of scams on platforms they use daily while emphasising reporting and support avenues.

The event at Anfield Stadium gave children the opportunity to learn about staying safe online in an engaging and fun environment. Not only were they treated to a tour of the stadium as a thank you for their hard work, but they were also joined by Mighty Red and former LFC Goalkeeper, Chris Kirkland.

For Chris, the event was an eye-opening experience:

‘’It’s great to be here for Safer Internet Day to educate the children, and I tell you what you have educated me as well! It’s certainly opened my eyes to scams that are going on. Some of the ideas the children have come up with, I must admit I’d be tempted to click on the links because they look so real. The purpose of today is to make everyone aware, if something is too good to be true, it probably is, and to make sure they tell responsible adults and teachers if they are in doubt about anything at all’’

Safer Internet Day allows us to emphasise the importance of educating children so they continue to recognise how to stay safe online.

Will Gardner OBE, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre says:

‘Safer Internet Day is a vital opportunity to spark discussions with young people about their lives online. It is fantastic to see so many young people involved in the event at Liverpool FC, and to see that the learnings around scams online have been so successful. This Safer Internet Day we want all young people to feel confident that they could speak to an adult if they are worried about scams online, and to remember that it is never too late to ask for help.’

"It doesn't matter if it is on the pitch or online, at the LFC Foundation we believe that safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. Whilst we recognise the growing importance of children becoming digitally literate, we also recognise that it is our duty to teach young people to understand how they can protect themselves and others when they are online. We are keen supporters of Safer Internet Day, and we acknowledge how vital it is in spreading awareness and educating young people on the significance of staying safe whilst using the internet." - Stephen Hale, Safeguarding Manager at LFC Foundation