Police encourage internet safety

Avon and Somerset Police says with social media becoming ever more popular, users are posting increasing amounts of personal data in public forums.

As a result, they can fall victim to unscrupulous users and crimes such as fraud, cyber bullying, data and identity theft.

Police also want to encourage parents to learn how to protect their children's privacy and teach them about personal internet safety to protect them from individuals who use internet chat rooms for grooming.

Inspector Becky Cawsey from the Dangerous Offenders Unit at Avon and Somerset Police said: "Internet safety is really important.

"People really need to pause and think about what they are doing when sharing information.

"It's easy to post online from your computer, digital camera or mobile phone - it can be done almost without thinking.

"Sometimes people do things they wished they hadn't and want to get them removed.

"Most sites will have a delete post option, but remember that once you have put something up – anyone can save it and re-post. You lose control the minute you make that posting.

"There are people who are looking to abuse young people they meet online. They can manipulate relationships and pressure them into doing things they wouldn't normally do.

"I urge people not to get trapped into doing something on webcam you may later regret for example. This is rarely a private meeting between two of people. You have no control over where that footage may be posted.

"The internet is a fantastic tool and the majority of the time it is a beneficial, fun and educational resource - just apply common sense and a few simple safety measures. Think about who you are talking to, the information you share and how you can maintain your privacy."

Community Safety Teams across the force already hold internet safety sessions for both pupils and parents at schools, teaching them how to manage their privacy settings, things to watch out for and general safety tips.

Youth Strategy Officer, Tony Alderman, from the Police Community Safety Team in Somerset West said: "The internet is a wonderful tool if used appropriately and safely. Use these simple tips to help keep yourself and your family cyber safe."

Parents: •Know how to activate security and privacy settings on you and your children's PC and mobile phone browser.

•Also be aware that games consoles, mobile phones and hand-held games machines can access the internet.

•Ask your children to show you how to use a social networking site - getting involved will empower them to share the experience with you.

•And try and make your children feel confident that if they tell you they have a problem on-line you won't bar them from using it as this might cause them to use it in secret. If they think they might lose it, they probably won't tell you.

Children and young people: •Keep personal information private – think "would I or should I tell this to a stranger?"

•Only upload pictures that you and your parents would be happy for you to share.

•Don't post your phone number, address or email address on your homepage or Facebook page and don't give them out in chat rooms.

•Adjust your account settings so that only approved friends can message you. New people can still send friend requests.

•Check the "no picture forwarding" option is switched on your social networking site settings page – this will stop people sending pictures from your page around the world without your consent.

•Don't give too much away in a blog. Friends can call them you for the address of the latest party rather than read about it on your site.

•And - never go to meet anyone you have only met on-line except with an adult you trust and in a public and busy place. Never go alone or to someone's house.

For more information about protecting yourself you can visit either: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk and select the crime reduction tab, or visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk or www.identity-theft.org.uk or www.thinkuknow.co.uk .