Online safety highlighted at Axe Valley

PARENTS are being urged to take part in an internet safety awareness evening at the Axe Valley Community College on Thursday, December 3.

PARENTS are being urged to take part in an internet safety awareness evening at the Axe Valley Community College on Thursday, December 3.

Headteacher Martin Smith said the event, which will highlight risks and advise on how to keep children safe online, would be beneficial to all parents.

He said internet dangers continually change and wants staff and parents to be aware of them.

He said: "We recognise that the internet is an area where young people can be vulnerable unless there is effective safety awareness and controls in place.

"I think this evening is a superb opportunity for parents. They may know the risks posed by the internet, but it would be advisable for them to attend as threats posed by the internet change all the time."

He added that internet safety was a high priority in the school and network controls were in place.

The interactive internet safety awareness evening will look at cyber bullying, how children use chat rooms, access to the internet from mobile phones, the latest social network sites and how to protect your child from potential 'grooming'.

PC Hayley Taylor, youth intervention officer, will discuss ways to keep children safe.

She said: "We all want our children to be safe and from an early age we teach them things like how to cross the road. Just like that, online safety skills are skills for life.

"Parents play an important part in helping their children understand the risks and assisting them to make sensible and informed choices online.

"Children have the technical understanding, but little understanding of the consequences of their actions on line. By knowing how to stay safe online, they can get the most from the internet."

The event will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. If you would like to go along, contact Joan Tremblett, parent support worker, by calling 07540 672053.