03 July 2006
Social Networking Sites Under The Spotlight
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre today announce a series of workshops designed to look at the growing phenomenon of social networking sites. A cross-section of young people, parents, educators and key online industry players are invited to the events to be held w/b 17th July to discuss this latest online trend and how young people can stay safe in this virtual environment.
Launched on 24th April 2006, CEOP has brought together for the first time ever, law enforcement officers, specialists from children’s charities and industry to work in unison under one roof. This provides a unique holistic approach to the growing problem of child abuse. Already, major corporations such as Microsoft, AOL and VISA, as well as children’s charities including the NSPCC and Childnet International have put considerable resources and weight behind the new initiative.
Jim Gamble, Chief Executive of CEOP commenting on the reason behind the workshops said:
These events are being held as part of CEOP’s commitment to understanding the online environment better, to make it safer for children and to deter those individuals who prey on children in this virtual world.
A survey by the London School of Economics shows that 1 in 12 children have met someone offline who they initially encountered in an online environment. Social networking sites provide great opportunities for young people to meet and share experiences. But with this freedom comes a degree of risk and the need to act responsibly. We know that where children go online, so do those who seek to abuse them.
This is an opportunity for everyone, especially young people, to get involved, share their experiences and to help CEOP understand the issues. That way we are not only gaining a greater understanding of this environment but also how we make it safer by design for all young people to use.
If parents, educators, young people and industry are interested in taking part, please send an email to support@ceopevents.co.uk
Ends
Notes to Editors
1. Young people can also get involved and make a difference in making the internet a safer place. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre is asking for volunteers aged between 11 – 16 years to work with them in reaching out to children and young people with vital safety first messages. Young people can get further information by visiting www.thinkuknow.co.uk and completing an online questionnaire and sending it to CEOP.
2. The CEOP Centre works in both online and offline environments and full information on all areas of work as well as online safety messages and access to online reporting can be found at www.ceop.gov.uk.
3. The CEOP Centre is affiliated to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and powers are derived from the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. It is based in Pimlico, London with developing outreach channels to all areas of both domestic and international policing as well as industry and specialist support and educational faculties.
4. For further information contact CEOP Press Office on 0870 000 3434