TO COINCIDE with Safer Internet Day on February 7, Wokingham Borough Council has been reaching out to young people and parents to promote online safety.
The council has worked closely with schools and colleges as part of its community safety partnership and is providing resources to ensure children remain protected.
Despite the many benefits offered by the internet, the council acknowledged that young people may occasionally come across content that makes them feel “uncomfortable” or “feel threatened”.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “The internet is a great place for children and young people to learn and have fun but occasionally they may come across online threats to their safety.
“As well as dealing with issues such as inappropriate content and online bullying, social media and online gaming platforms are increasingly being used to groom and radicalise people, with children and young people actively targeted.
“We want to ensure that children and young people are able to use the internet safely and that parents understand how they can help to keep their children stay safe. The Internet Matters website is a great resource to help protect children of all ages.”
The council is encouraging pupils, parents and teachers to engage with posters and stickers on display at schools and colleges which have a QR code to link to the Internet Matters website.
The page provides information and support to keep children and young people safe online, including advice on a range of issues they may be confronted with.
There is also a free online learning platform which uses interactive lessons, dynamic storytelling and digital toolkit for families to teach online safety.
An online gaming advice hub is also available to help get to grips with the basics of online gaming and staying safe.
For more information, visit: www.internetmatters.org
