SOMERSET NEWS: Protecting children from online dangers

POLICE are supporting a national campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of the internet and online crime.                

As part of Safer Internet Day today (Tuesday, February 9, 2016) police are providing schools with videos and offering advice and tips to parents and carers through social media channels.

Of all online crimes reported to the force in the past year, nearly a third of the victims (27%) were under the age of 18. The number of online crime victims in this age group has increased by 163%.

Key issues included sexting and digital footprints (the trail left behind by online activity). These are addressed by two new videos which will be used to support work in schools around online safety.

The videos have been commissioned by Bristol Safeguarding Children’s Board, which Avon and Somerset Police is part of, for Safer Internet Day. They were been created by Unique Voice – a Bristol-based non-profit drama group which aims to improve young people’s confidence and self-esteem.

As part of the campaign, officers will be visiting schools to speak to young people about being safe online, as well as holding assemblies, giving out leaflets and educational packs and talking to parents and carers about their concerns.

On Safer Internet Day we will be sharing top tips and advice for parents and carers on our social media channels, as well as answering some of the most common questions and encouraging them to talk openly to their children about their online experiences.

Det Supt Sarah Davenport, force lead for online crime, said: “Online crime can affect anyone but we’ve seen a big increase in reports where the victim is under-18 in the last year.

“This could be because more young people are finding the confidence to report issues in the knowledge they will be taken seriously. Or it might also be because criminals are increasingly using the internet to target vulnerable victims.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep young people safe, whether it’s in the real world or virtual world.

"We’re hoping these new videos and our work in schools will go some way towards raising awareness and let pupils know where to go if they need help or support.

“We also want parents and carers to know how to keep their children safe online. That’s why we’re using Safer Internet Day as an opportunity to give them tips and advice as well as encouraging them to talk to their children openly about their online experiences."

Sally Lewis, independent Chair of Bristol Safeguarding Children Board, said: “In an age of increasing digital activity it has never been more important to teach our children of the perils that can exist in the online world.

"Bristol’s Safeguarding Children Board commissioned these videos to ensure that children and young people across the city are made aware of these dangers, can spot the signs early and are empowered to confidently report any concerning or malicious behaviour.

“Safer Internet Day provides the perfect opportunity to engage with our children and young people across the city and to involve parents and the wider adult population in keeping children safe online.”

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