Safer Internet Day 2023

Supporting Safer Internet Day 2023

Safer Internet Day aims to promote the safe, positive, and responsible use of the internet for children and young people. Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, is encouraging people to open up the conversation about their online lives.

It is estimated that the viewing of indecent and abusive images of children has risen by around 400% in the past four years, this growth accelerated during pandemic lockdowns and remains now society has reopened.

The Commissioner has worked with Cheshire's Chief Constable to more than quadruple the size of the force's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) to tackle this type of crime. Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

"One of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is to protect vulnerable and at-risk people, and children are some of the most vulnerable members of society. Young people are most at-risk of victimisation, especially when the crime involves coercion or manipulation which is why in Cheshire we have expanded the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team. It is essential to educate young people on how to make responsible decisions and what they can do to protect their online presence."

Safer Internet Day is celebrating its 20th year and is sharing a range of tips for children and young people to remember when using the internet. The theme for 3-11 year olds is to remember the SMART rules :

* Safe- Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you're chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number, password, and home address.

* Meet- Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents' or carers' permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.

* Accepting- Accepting emails, messages, or opening files from someone that you don't know or trust can lead to problems- they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

* Reliable- Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true.

* Tell- Tell a parent, carer, or a trusted adult if someone, or something, makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.

Find out more about Safer Internet Day on the UK Safer Internet Centre:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023


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