04/10/2004

New internet safety advice to target children online

New internet advertising which targets children with safety advice when they are online has been unveiled by the government today.

The new campaign of radio and online adverts, launched to coincide with Parents Online Week, is designed to encourage children to think twice about whom they might be communicating with in chat rooms.

Parents Online Week, which runs until October 8, is geared toward helping parents find out about online safety and get the most out of the net. A Parents Online survey published today has revealed that 40% of parents say the risk posed by paedophiles is their biggest concern when their children are online.

The new advertising reflects real life scenarios, which outline the dangers posed to children from paedophiles using the Internet. These adverts are directly based on research from the campaign and feedback from the Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet Taskforce.

One of the online adverts is based on a real life case in Lancashire, where a 'respected' family man groomed several young girls to believe he was a modeling agent; they were subsequently abused. The man was sentenced in July.

Home Office Minister responsible for child protection Paul Goggins said: "Awareness of the dangers posed by paedophiles using the Internet is extremely high among 11-14 year olds, but we know that despite this some children still put themselves at risk. We need to ensure our public awareness campaign continues to reach the right people with the right messages.

"We know that many parents are not confident about using the Internet and managing the risks to their children.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter, of Lancashire Constabulary's Public Protection Unit, said that this incident highlighted the potential dangers involved.

He advised young people to never reveal personal details or arrange to meet anyone through the Internet without being certain who they are, and only do so with their parents' or carers' permission.

The campaign will run from October 4 to the end of January next year. More information is available on http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk which contains guidance for both young people and their parents/carers.

(gmcg/mb)

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