Tuesday February 06, 2007
Children urged to stay safe as ‘Stranger Danger’ moves to the virtual playground
Children throughout the UK are being urged to protect themselves online as part of a European campaign to promote Internet Safety.
The risks and benefits associated with social networking will be highlighted as part of European Safer Internet Day on Tuesday February 6, 2007.
The theme of Crossing Borders will drive an international programme of events designed to increase awareness around online safety. They will encourage people to learn more about a range of topics, including personal security, cyberbullying and illegal content.
The rise in popularity of social networking sites, online gaming and chatting on instant messenger means that more young people than ever are sharing their personal experiences and details with strangers. Many will use the Internet to develop friendships and explore their sexuality in ways they would never have the confidence for in the real world.
The Internet is an amazing facility that provides untold opportunities young people,
said Jim Gamble, CEO at the CEOP Centre.
Sadly, they’re not the only ones attracted to an environment seemingly free of adult supervision.
It’s a fact that where children go, sexual predators may follow. In previous years this threat manufactured itself in the playground. However, Stranger Danger campaigns ensured that the risks associated with meeting and speaking with people you don’t know were widely understood. Parents and children alike were cautious about being approached by strangers.
In the virtual world the need for cautiousness is often forgotten. The warning signs traditionally associated with strangers are lost amongst the possibility and excitement of new relationships.
While there is no real way of knowing who you are speaking to in this environment, one in twelve young people still go on to meet someone in the real world they initially engaged with online. This trust leaves them vulnerable to predators and open to exploitation.
As part of European Safer Internet Day we’re asking people to stop and think about the risks they take online. We want them to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the steps they can take to avoid falling victim to sexual abuse, and indeed any online threat.
Young people and their parents are urged to find out more about how they can help safeguard themselves and their families by visiting www.thinkuknow.co.uk
The website belongs to The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre and features valuable advice about how to stay in control. Some top tips are outlined below:
- Don’t give out personal details online. This includes Messenger id, email addresses, mobile numbers and pictures.
- Remember that pictures or videos published online can be changed or shared
- Some people lie online
- It’s better to keep online mates online. Never meet up with strangers without taking a trusted adult.
- It’s never too late to tell someone if something makes you feel uncomfortable.
- There are people who can help. Report online child sex abuse at www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Ends
Useful facts and figures:
- 75% of children and young people aged between 9-19 years have internet access at home
- According to the OfCom Communications Market Report 2006, 70% of young people aged between 16 and 24 are using new online social networking sites to make friends, share information and have fun
- 1 in 12 children have met someone offline who they initially engaged with online
- 31% of young people have received unwanted sexual comment online or by text message though only 7% of parents are aware that their child has received such material.
- More than 2000 reports have been received by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre since its launch in April 2006
- Approximately 50% of these reports relate to online grooming through social networking sites.
Note to Editors:
Safer Internet Day projects are organised in association with UCLAN (The University of Central Lancashire) and with the support of the EU funded ISCA Project.
More than 30 countries across Europe will take part in events to support Safer Internet Day 2007.
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.
For further information please contact:
Clive Michel or Sarah Shakespeare at Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre on 0870 000 3434.
For further information on the work of the CEOP Centre please visit: www.ceop.gov.uk
For details on the international work of the CEOP Centre: www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com.