Operation Defender
The following information is supplied by Central Scotland Police.
Overview
Central Scotland Police are highlighting in the media the results of an operation which has led to concern around the safety of children and teenagers using the internet.
In summary, we will be encouraging parents to be intrusive around supervising how children and teenagers use the web in an effort to reduce the chances of them being targeted by criminals and becoming victims of crime.
This may result in members of the public calling contact centres or approaching staff they come into contact with directly.
Key Information
Q I am a parent and have concerns about material which I think is offensive on my child’s computer/mobile phone/other web platform. Who do I speak to?
A In the first instance you should refer to the Thinkuknow website which contains information about how to stay safe online and how to ensure your children are safe using the internet. If you do not have access to the internet at home, you can use public access terminals in local libraries or ask someone you know and trust who does have access to the web.
Q Is it just the computer I should be concerned about?
A Children and teenagers access the web in a number of ways from computers to mobile phones with Bluetooth technology and gaming consoles. You should ask your child for access to their web usage to monitor what sites they are using, what material is being posted by them or other people, who they are talking to online and what is being said.
Q I am concerned that my child may have been engaged in inappropriate behaviour online. What do I do?
A If you suspect a crime may have been committed or that someone has deliberately targeted your child, you should call the police. You can also make a report to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre direct via their website at www.ceop.police.uk. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or need urgent help, call the local police or 999.
Q I am not sure if I am wasting the authorities’ time by reporting this.
A If you have a concern about something you or someone else has encountered online, you are doing the right thing to highlight it. You may not only be helping yourself but others to stay safe.
Q I am nervous about giving my details.
A Any personal information you give to the police or local authorities will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone not authorised to have those details. Our aim is simply to help you with your concerns.
10 Top Internet Safety Tips For Parents
The tips below come from the Thinkuknow website.
Thinkuknow is the education programme delivered by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (www.ceop.police.uk) which is a national law enforcement agency dedicated to tackling child sexual abuse.
If you would like further information on internet safety then have a look at the think u know website which is packed full of useful tips and advice on a wide range of internet activities.
- 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. To report online child abuse go to www.ceop.police.uk or for more advice and support go to www.thinkuknow.co.uk