Keeping children safe online

Shropshire County Council is supporting a campaign to keep children safe while using the Internet over the Christmas period. Experts have released a set of guidelines for parents to give to their children, designed to keep them away from unsuitable sites while browsing the worldwide web.

It is important that young people are wise about using the Internet, and as many have far greater skills on the computer than adults, it is easy to assume that all is safe, when sometimes young people may be exposing themselves to risk.

A few basic guidelines may help:

- Always keep your details private, including passwords, mobile phone numbers and other personal details.
- Tell a parent straight away if anything makes you feel scared or uncomfortable online, and do not reply to any uncomfortable messages received.
- Make sure all messages sent are respectful, and only email people you know.
- Talk to a parent before joining chatrooms or networking sites or before showing photographs of yourself, and never meet an ‘online friend’ without taking a parent with you.

It is important to realise that, once a message or an item is posted on the Internet, then it is completely out of your control – it can be copied and used by anyone.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The Internet is a very useful tool for learning and for entertainment, but like any other medium it needs a thoughtful approach and involvement of parents to ensure safety through the year.”

The county council is supporting the national campaign run by the Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, to draw parents’ attention to child safety at all times, including when accessing the Internet. If you are not sure what your child is doing this Christmas, then visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents and find the support materials entitled Purely for Parents.

14 December 2007