5:00pm Thursday 11th February 2010
By Sam Chadderton
EAST Lancashire pupils and their parents were given lessons by police about the dangers of online predators.
As part of Safer Internet Day Lancashire police visited primary schools to talk about responsible use of the Internet and mobiles.
Parents of youngsters at St Wilfrid’s High School and Technology College, Blackburn, St John’s Primary, Baxenden and Bowland High School, Grindleton were told to be more involved in what their children were doing online.
And the message is to be delivered to other schools in the area.
Coordinated nationally by the UK’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, children were encouraged to use privacy settings on social networking sites such as Facebook and only speak to people they know and trust.
They were also warned about publishing pictures of themselves under this year’s theme of ‘think before you post’.
Chief Inspector Peter Lawson said: “Young people are using the internet more and more in their daily lives and we should encourage them to use it safely whilst always being mindful that there are associated dangers.
“I would advise parents to talk to their child about what they are doing online and make sure that they understand they should keep online friends online.”
Head of public protection at Lancashire Constabulary Graham Coulston-Herrmann said: “There are a range of activities taking place across Lancashire to help protect young people online.
“Both Lancashire Constabulary and our partners in the local authority and education are working to protect children online.”
St Wilfrid’s said it took internet safety very seriously and had organised a series of assemblies around cyber bullying.
As well as the police initiative this week, the school gave social network safety sessions to parents last week. Tips for students and parents are also on its website.
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