The Isle of Wight Council is continuing to help teach students how to stay safe while surfing the World Wide Web. In partnership with Hampshire Constabulary, an Internet Safety Team is visiting local schools to give demonstrations and safety tips to youngsters.
Millions of youngsters across the UK log on to the Internet each day, but there are dangers associated. People with criminal intentions could pose as a youngster in an Internet chat room and try to obtain personal phone numbers and addresses. Others may try and trick people into giving out bank details or even attempt to send you viruses which can leave your PC vulnerable. Cyber-bullying – where victims can be subjected to offensive emails or messages – is also becoming a growing problem and is a criminal offence.
The theme of the safety messages focuses on ‘Having Fun’, ‘Staying in Control’ and ‘Reporting Abuse’. The events use materials developed by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). Hard hitting but appropriate videos are also used to help get the message across. The idea is not to paint the Internet as a criminal’s playground, but to demonstrate that it is a valuable tool that has many benefits as long as you remain safe. It also demonstrates there are people there to help should you feel you have become a victim.
Isle of Wight Council’s Rob Ellis is one of the organisers of the Internet Safety Courses and says “Many youngsters are very technically literate but some may not realise that the people they think they are chatting to online are who they say they are. By providing guidance and simple tips, hopefully these courses will help youngsters use the full benefits of the Internet while at the same time not becoming victims of criminals or paedophiles”
Cllr Diana Tuson is Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member for Safer Communities. She says “There are many ways to access the Internet these days from your home computer to mobile phones and Televisions. People may think they are safe and could unwittingly become victims, so by showing them how to be safe whilst enjoying the benefits of the Internet is something I fully support”.
