Training

E-safety in schools

by Mark Rowe

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC has backed an initiative introduced by police and the local Children’s Services to go into schools to talk about internet safety, cyber bullying and text and mobile phone safety. The e-safety campaign has been developed and introduced by The Whitley Bay Partnership of School’s together with police.

Using guidance from the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre (CEOP) officers aim to raise awareness of personal safety for young people including social networking privacy and issues around ‘sexting’. Vera Baird wants schools, teachers, parents and young people across the borough to get involved.

She said: “E-safety is a very important issue, especially for young people. We need to make them aware of the potential dangers of the internet, social networks and mobile communication. We must stop offenders out there who will specifically target young people online. These offenders often remain faceless behind the online walls and it’s difficult to know who you are really communicating with. However, we will do everything within our powers to catch these people.

“Educating pupils at an early age allows officers, parents and teachers to warn them of dangers which will help prevent them from becoming victim to such crimes and provide information about what to do should someone target them.

“Officers have useful information for anyone who may be suffering from issues of cyber bullying or have concerns about internet and mobile safety. Anyone who feels a victim to such offences must come forward to the police.”

Northumbria Police’s youth website – Ebeat – also provides information and advice for youngsters, parents and teachers about staying safe and issues which may affect them. PC Paul McKenzie from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The presentation provides really important information about staying safe with online and mobile communication. I am delighted the Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting our initiative and I hope we are able to roll the presentation out throughout the force.

“It really is important to raise awareness of e-safety at an early age and help prevent anyone becoming a victim. We have already given the presentation to teachers and parents at some of the local schools and we have had some really positive feedback.

“We hope we have the same positive response from the pupils.”

“With an increasing number of young people using the internet, it is essential we ensure their safety and educate them on the dangers associated with the internet use and mobile communication.”

For more information about youth internet safety visit www.ebeat.org.uk, Google search ebeat or visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/.

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