Safer Internet Day – 11 February

Today is Safer Internet Day and an opportunity to raise awareness of online safety and wellbeing amongst children and young people.

Taking place each year, the day aims to highlight common themes experienced by young people online, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘too good to be true?’.

Today we are signposting to a range of resources to help with different aspects of cyber safety and are encouraging parents, teachers, carers and the wider community to share these resources and have open discussions with children and young people, to help them stay safe online.

Cyber crime covers all crimes that take place online, are committed using computers, or are assisted by online technology.

Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team, in conjunction with Safer Warwickshire partners and Child Friendly Warwickshire, have recently produced a short, animated film to encourage younger children to take care when on the internet. It is hoped that schools, parents and carers will share the video with children and prompt discussions about how they can protect themselves online.

Alongside this, the UK Safer Internet Centre has issued a range of advice for young people, parents and carers, which can be found here:

• Tips for Parents and Carers - UK Safer Internet Centre
• Tips for 7-11 year olds - UK Safer Internet Centre
• Tips for 11-14s - UK Safer Internet Centre
• Tips for 14-18s - UK Safer Internet Centre

Our Cybercrime and Fraud Co-Ordinator James Squire said: "Safer Internet Day is a great reminder to engage in open conversations with our families and communities about online issues.

“Today’s generation of children are growing up using the internet from a young age, and it’s important we help them to use the online world in a safe and positive way.

“Ask your child to share with you their favourite apps, games, or websites, and regularly check with them if they’ve seen anything online they are not comfortable with. Please use today as an opportunity to review your family’s online security and make any changes needed.”

Further information about staying safe online can also be found on our website here: Staying safe online | Warwickshire Police