PCC Vera Baird supports Safer Internet Day
9th February 2016
Northumbria Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird are today supporting Safer Internet Day.
Tuesday, February 9, is Safer Internet Day, which aims to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people.
Officers from the Cyber Crime Unit and neighbourhood policing teams will be visiting schools and providing advice to young people about issues that may affect them online and tackle sensitive concerns such as online child sexual exploitation and how to spot the signs of it.
The force will also be supporting the #shareaheart campaign that is to run alongside the day. This encourages others to make a pledge on how to make the internet a better place.
Northumbria Police Detective Inspector Angela Hufton said: “The internet is an invaluable resource for people of all ages but for younger generations it’s something which is used every day.
“While it is used vastly in day-to-day life we do need to be mindful of the potential dangers so we can all use the internet safely and responsibly.
“Events such as Safer Internet Day ensure awareness is raised about the tools available to ensure proper education about the internet for parents and grandparents and at the same time, ensure children use it safely.
“Parents should talk to their children about their use of the internet. There are also technology solutions available which ensure parents can monitor what their children are doing online. If parents are worried in any way, they should contact police.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “The internet plays such an important part of everyday life for so many young people, especially with social networking being a popular way to communicate. Safer Internet Day is about making sure young people stay safe online and are aware of the risks and what they can do to avoid them. It’s great to see everyone coming together – police officers, parents, teachers and young police cadets – everyone is doing their bit to raise awareness of the dangers to try and keep youngsters stay safe when online.”
Northumbria Police offers the following advice for parents on how to make sure their child remains safe when using the internet:
Everyone they meet online is a stranger, even though they might seem like a friend. They should always tell you if they make contact with, or are contacted by, anyone on the internet.
They should always use a nickname when logging on and never give out personal details like their full name, home or school address, telephone number, personal email or mobile number. This information could let someone they meet online contact them.
Accepting emails or opening files from people they don’t really know, can get them into trouble as they can contain nasty viruses, messages or links to things they don’t want to see.
They should talk to you or another trusted adult they know well and ask for help if they’re worried or upset about anything they’ve seen or been sent online.
Further information can also be found on our Ebeat site –
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the day involves hundreds of organisations across the world get involved in helping to promote safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
More on the Safer Internet Centre and Safer Internet Day can be found at www.saferinternet.org.
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