Online safety is as important as ever in the lead up to the festive season with technology and gadgets high on the wishlist for many young people this Christmas.
Keep them safe online
The Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB) is reminding parents and carers that if their child receives a new device or games console for Christmas, it’s important to set them up correctly to keep them safe online. Parental controls installed on previous devices will need checking and setting again.
ESCB along with partners, are sharing information about some of the dangers young people may encounter online, in the gaming world and on social media.
The campaign raises awareness of the signs to look out for. For example if a young person being groomed may suddenly be in possession of things like new trainers and clothing, or they may have more cash or receive online rewards such as game currency and other gifts within games.
It looks at how to support young people to have healthy relationships in a digital world. It explains the importance of supporting them to understand the dangers that technology can present with relationships.
Create a supportive environment
Exploitation is not the child’s fault and they are never to blame.
Create a supportive environment where online safety is discussed in the same way as road safety or stranger danger. Children will feel more able to speak openly about concerns they may have and potentially avoid an online threat escalating.
The ESCB resources provides parents and carers with the information they need to support their child to safely navigate the online world.
Report concerns
Concerns about child exploitation can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers.
There is also a dedicated Police Child Exploitation hotline. Parents, carers and members of the public can seek advice around concerns they may have about criminal and sexual exploitation.
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