Supporting Safer Internet Day

Today marks Safer Internet Day, which 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 alongside Cheshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable to more than quadruple the size of the force’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) in order 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.

“The messaging behind Safer Internet Day is so important, I believe 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 20^th 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.

John Dwyer added:

“I would like to encourage everyone to talk to young members of their family about their online habits and share the tips for staying safe online. Encourage them to speak out if there is anything worrying them, and always report cyber crime to the police.”

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

Pictured - Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer.