How do you talk to your child about the difference between real and online friends, sexual experimentation and pornography on the internet, or what to do if something goes wrong?
Parents and across Cumbria can be given the answers to these and other difficult questions vital to bringing up children in the 21st Century during an online web chat being hosted by Cumbria Constabulary to mark Safer Internet Day tomorrow (7 February).
The dedicated day-long webchat window will be hosted on the Constabulary’s website, inviting local people to log on and ask any questions about how to stay safe online.
This chat will also be linked into the Constabulary’s Twitter account with officers inviting the tweeting community to direct questions about Internet safety to Cumbria police using #cumbriasafeonline. All questions and responses added on Twitter using this hashtag will automatically appear on the Constabulary’s webchat window.
Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Stuart Hyde, is renowned as one of the UK’s leading lights in cybercrime within his role as President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB).
He said: “Your child being targeted by a criminal is every parent’s nightmare which is why it is so important to get up to speed with the risks that are out there and the simple steps that can be taken to protect children online.
“The internet opens up a world of opportunity along with a new world of risk. The online world is continually developing so it is important that parents feel comfortable enough to ask questions about technology so that they understand and are able to provide advice to help their children stay safe online.
“Cumbria Constabulary recognises the developing threats that the world of the Internet can pose to the people of Cumbria and we are dedicated to enhancing our own understanding so we can stay one step ahead of criminals.
“I hope that parents and youngsters use the opportunity to ask any questions they may have so that, together, we can try and prevent any young people falling foul of online criminals in Cumbria.”
Cumbria Constabulary will also be using its social networking accounts to promote national Safer Internet Day competitions, inviting young people to log onto the Safer Internet Day website to enter their posters and videos for a chance to win a host of prizes - including a trip to Romania!
The Constabulary will be encouraging people to log on and view a new TV-style show created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’. This short video takes parents on a journey to the 1950’s and back, exploring the challenges of parenting in an online age.
While the risks to children may be different to those of the 1950s, parenting skills are still as relevant as they ever were. Talking to children about their online lives is one of the best things parents can do to protect them so they can enjoy the opportunities offered by the internet. The show sets out simple practical ideas for parents to make sure their children are protected from risks – which range from cyberbullying to grooming by those who wish them harm – as well as a few surprises about what children get up to online.
With 70% of parents of 12-15 year olds saying they know less about the internet than their children, the CEOP Centre are encouraging parents and carers to not be intimidated by how their children are using technology and to talk about any internet related concerns they have, in conjunction with teachers and schools across the country.
On 7 February, CEOP launches a new suite of resources to make it easier than ever for parents Cumbria to be as good parents online as they are offline. These include:
- ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’, made with the support of CEOP’s partner Visa Europe and which takes an entertaining and light hearted look at what it’s like to bring up children in the online age – featuring practical tips and insights into what your child is up to online. Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents from 7 February to view the show.
- A restyled parents’ area at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents with updated advice and guidance for parents of children of any age. Thinkuknow is CEOP’s education and awareness raising programme. It’s a great place to start exploring online safety issues with your child.
Peter Davies, Chief Executive of the CEOP Centre, said: “Technology has transformed people’s lives, collectively and individually – in the way we work, communicate and socialise. It is an integral part of modern childhood.
“But the principles of good parenting, in terms of playing an active role in a child’s life and instilling good behaviour haven’t changed. Children have always taken risks but their lives online offer new opportunities for this, and there are some people who will try to exploit the perceived anonymity offered by the internet.
“We appreciate that some parents may feel daunted by the pace at which technology is changing and how its use has become second nature to their children. Our new film guide and other resources will make it easier for parents to take that step towards discussing issues that are crucial to parenting today in a way that is age appropriate.”
CEOP works with a range of industry partners including Microsoft. A new, customised ‘ClickCEOP’ browser developed by Microsoft for Internet Explorer 9 will be available from 7 February. This provides users with the opportunity to customise their browser so they can get direct access to CEOP’s advice pages, as well as being able to report inappropriate contact with their child. There are also links organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation, Get Safe Online and Beatbullying. The browser is available to download at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/browser-parents.
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