Given that many parents and carers will be thinking about buying internet and digital technologies as gifts for their children this Christmas. 

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre are running a campaign in the run up to Christmas asking  “What’s your child doing online this Christmas” Thinkuknow?

Christmas is a great time of the year and certainly the time when technology sales increase.  Children everywhere are getting online, having fun and exploring the increasing opportunities that the virtual world offers.

Gaming sites, virtual worlds, social networks as well as traditional chat rooms are now intermingled with upload and download opportunities and everyday the internet is becoming more and more integral to young people’s lives.

But a sad fact remains. Where children go then child sex predators will follow. 

What you are being asked to do as a parent, guardian or carer of young people is register now by clicking HERE: 

As part of this campaign you are being offered the registration facility to receive regular updates via email over the New Year. These updates are designed to demystify some of the new technologies and unravel some of the often complex sounding terminologies and will include emerging risks and safety tips to help keep children safe online.

However dont be afraid to get your children online and let them explore the opportunities out there, but please apply the same caution and care as you would in the real world.  Register now and work to help protect your child wherever they may be in the virtual world.

BLOGS, FORUMS AND SOCIAL NETWORKING

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS:
 
*Know what your children are doing online and who they are talking to. Ask them to teach you to use any applications you have never used.
 
*Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends—personal information includes their messenger id, email address, mobile number and any pictures of themselves, their family or friends—if your child publishes a picture or video online—anyone can change it or share it.
 
*If your child receives spam / junk email & texts, remind them never to believe them, reply to them or use them.
 
*It’s not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they don’t know. They won’t know what they contain—it could be a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or film.
 
*Help your child to understand that some people lie online and that therefore it’s better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust.
 
*Always keep communication open for a child to know that it’s never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.
 
*Teach young people how to block someone online and report them if they feel uncomfortable.
 
There are people who can help. Report online child abuse, or for more advice and support.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre also click here

Isle of Wight Community Information @Island Pulse.