Burnham-On-Sea Police will be joining hundreds of other organisations across the country in marking Safer Internet Day today (Tuesday) to promote the safe and responsible use of technology.
Safer Internet Day 2015 is being held across the UK, with the theme of ‘Let’s create a better Internet together’.
The annual event is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre to promote the safe and responsible use of online technology and mobile phones for children and young people.
Chief Superintendent Sue Scott from Avon and Somerset Police said: “Online sites, apps, games and social media are part of daily life for children and young people, which offer exciting learning and social opportunities. However, we need to keep in mind that the world online is the same as the real world and there are risks we need to be aware of. We want to promote positive and safe use of digital technology and keep up-to-date of the ever-changing online world.”
“Anyone who uses the internet either socially or for shopping, banking or other business uses needs to know how to keep themselves safe. Approach the internet the way you would perhaps approach walking down a crowded street – you wouldn’t expose yourself literally, physically nor in terms of financial or personal information to strangers, so in general terms – apply that to the internet. Just consider what you are sharing, and who you are sharing it with.”
“Surveys show that more than half of children go online without any parental supervision. 38% of young people have been affected by cyberbullying while 15% of mobile-owning teens say that they have received sexually suggestive and naked images of someone they know via text.”
“Talking to your children about these issues and encouraging them to be cyber-savvy is more important than ever and there are simple steps that they can take to keep themselves safe.”
Leaflets will be handed out locally to promote the day – and you can read a copy of the safety leaflet here.
