Published on 16th April 2014
An E-safety Awareness Day is taking place at Cheltenham Borough Council on Monday 28 April, which will make parents and professionals aware of the potential risks young people face using the internet.
Two free sessions for parents will take place at 9.30am and 6.30pm in the council chamber and last for 90 minutes each. The sessions will cover issues such as internet safety with young people, online bullying and the rise of social media.
Two sessions will be also offered to professionals who work with young people such as teachers or youth group leaders. These sessions will take place from 1.00pm and 3.45pm.
Tracy Brown, Partnerships team leader said: “Many of today’s young people have access to the world of social media through computers, phones and other portable devices. The internet can offer a great variety of resources and opportunities to socialise, but it is important that parents and professionals understand the potential risks.
“Primary schools throughout Cheltenham had been reporting concerns about how might teachers, carers and parents may deal with an internet related issue with young people. Through these sessions from South West Grid Learning, parents and professionals can find out how to reduce risk and empower young people.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said, “I have made cyber safety a priority for my second year in office and I want us to be proactive in our approach to building a safer cyber environment for Gloucestershire and develop partnerships that really do make a difference. This approach is key if we are to reduce the harm and loss in the real world from crimes using the internet.
“There is no doubt the internet is a wonderful tool but we also know it has a dark side which has produced a whole new field of criminality and anti-social behaviour. Perhaps worst of all, it has made people vulnerable in their own homes.
“As a result, there are many examples of people who have lost vast sums of money after being ripped-off by con-men as well as numerous cases where the lives of young people have been destroyed by e-bullies”.
Sessions are free, and there is no need to book onto the sessions for parents. However to attend the sessions for professional places must be booked by contacting Tracy Brown via email: [email protected].
ENDS
Two sessions will be also offered to professionals who work with young people such as teachers or youth group leaders. These sessions will take place from 1.00pm and 3.45pm.
Tracy Brown, Partnerships team leader said: “Many of today’s young people have access to the world of social media through computers, phones and other portable devices. The internet can offer a great variety of resources and opportunities to socialise, but it is important that parents and professionals understand the potential risks.
“Primary schools throughout Cheltenham had been reporting concerns about how might teachers, carers and parents may deal with an internet related issue with young people. Through these sessions from South West Grid Learning, parents and professionals can find out how to reduce risk and empower young people.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said, “I have made cyber safety a priority for my second year in office and I want us to be proactive in our approach to building a safer cyber environment for Gloucestershire and develop partnerships that really do make a difference. This approach is key if we are to reduce the harm and loss in the real world from crimes using the internet.
“There is no doubt the internet is a wonderful tool but we also know it has a dark side which has produced a whole new field of criminality and anti-social behaviour. Perhaps worst of all, it has made people vulnerable in their own homes.
“As a result, there are many examples of people who have lost vast sums of money after being ripped-off by con-men as well as numerous cases where the lives of young people have been destroyed by e-bullies”.
Sessions are free, and there is no need to book onto the sessions for parents. However to attend the sessions for professional places must be booked by contacting Tracy Brown via email: [email protected].
ENDS
For media enquiries, contact: Tom Wheatly, web and communications apprentice. Telephone 01242 775192 or email: [email protected]
Notes:
Funding for the sessions has come from Cheltenham Positives Live Partnership and Cheltenham Safeguarding Forum.
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