The Internet is a relatively new resource, which has greatly enriched our lives, opening up new and exciting opportunities for learning and communicating around the world. However, the rate of technological advancement has been, and still is, phenomenal. Many professionals, parents and carers find themselves overwhelmed by these developments and, in many cases, the young people they work with, (and their own children) are streets ahead in their knowledge and use of this resource.
The Internet can contain material and websites that are inappropriate for children and young people; promote racial, or other hate ideologies; and, can also provide an opportunity for abusers to target, contact and ultimately abuse children and young people. It is important that professionals are aware of the dangers and are able to direct and support young people and their parents/carers in safe use of Internet based services.
Online abuse can take many forms:
Children and young people and their parents or carers should be made aware:
Whilst using the Internet, it can be very easy to accidentally access websites with adult or illegal content. Also, there can be issues with “spamming”, where pop-up adverts or emails can be sent to your computer which are inappropriate for children.
Young people being teased, perhaps by children from the same school, and sometimes linked to actual assault. This can sometimes take place via chatrooms, emails and by mobile phone texting.
***Parents and carers...one to read carefully***
We are raising awareness about 10 less well-known apps and chat tools used by paedophiles to contact young people online.
Worryingly, these apps have featured in a range of recent investigations into child abuse, indecent images of children, sexual communication with a child offences.
Apps such as Whisper and Kik are increasingly featuring in such cases, which require extensive enquiries by the force’s Digital Forensics Unit to secure key evidence.
***View the image to become familiar with the app logos***
More information, support and reporting
• Child Exploitation Online Protection command (CEOP) – www.ceop.police.uk/
• NSPCC Helplines: Help for adults concerned about a child – call 0808 800 5000; Help for children and young people – call Childline on 0800 1111; Go to www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
• Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response
• You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.
NSPCC Net Aware have also reviewed the most popular apps, games and social media sites your kids are using.
Real time interactivity, and the potential anonymity of chatrooms, can make young people vulnerable to the activities of abusers, who may pose as other young people. This can take the form of indecent proposals or sending of indecent images, which can be disturbing and distressing. There have been cases of abusers using chatrooms to “groom” young people and try to set up meetings with them, with the intention of perpetrating abuse.
The Marie Collins Foundation in partnership with the National Working Group have developed a new resources to support parents/carers with regards to how to respond when it is discovered that a child has been harmed online.
How can I help my child? is a new leaflet to offer help and advice.
Young people across York have created a Social Media Guide to provide their peers with information and advice about using social media safely. For further information please visit the Young Persons Social Media Guide webpage.
Think U Know - a website aimed at children and young people provided by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre. Contains very useful information about how to stay safe on line.
Childline - a website run by the charity and sponsored by major UK children’s’ charities aimed at parents and young people.
Net Aware - the NSPCC's guide to the social networks your kids use. Stay up to date and keep your child safe in today's digital world.
Childnet - an interactive safety programme website for schools, young people, parents and agencies.
Internet Watch Foundation - the UK hotline for reporting illegal Internet content.
Safekids - an internet safety resource for children.
Parent Info - provides up-to-date, expert information for parents on a range of concerns they may have about children and young people, which is designed for schools to post on their own website.
Talking with Kids About Being Online - This guide from the Federal Trade Commission covers issues to raise with kids about living their lives online
How to Keep your Children Safe Online - Here you will find internet safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.