Parents urged to discuss online dangers with their children

With many businesses, restaurants, and schools and colleges closed, more and more young people spending time on the internet to keep themselves occupied.

But whilst the World Wide Web has a wealth of fun and games, it can also be fraught with dangers, and Council officials are encouraging parents and carers to talk to their children about the dangers of being online.

The warning follows the launch of the Not In Our Community (NIOC) anti-grooming campaign, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, aimed at helping young people protect themselves and friends against grooming that can lead to sexual and criminal exploitation.

Online radicalisation and grooming are just two of the major threats posed to young people.

Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for children, young people and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We’re not looking to stop children and young people from going online – the web is a fantastic resource for learning, chatting with your mates and playing games or watching films.

“Our message to parents is simply to be aware of what your children are doing online and who they’re talking to. Perhaps consider sitting down and talking with them about the risks of speaking to strangers online.

“There is lots of resources and support out there for youngsters and for their families – I would urge parents who are worried about these risks to talk to their children and check out the support on offer.”

Online radicalisation:

The Let’s Talk About It website can help parents to spot the signs of online radicalisation. For more information, visit https://www.ltai.info/.

If you are worried about a friend, relative or even yourself, please go to the Prevent “Let’s Talk About It” website https://www.ltai.info/.

If you have an immediate concern, call Humberside Police on 101.

If you see or hear something suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT. Report it in confidence at www.gov.uk/ACT. Your actions could save lives.

https://www.ltai.info/, it is aimed at young and vulnerable people who could be at risk of being groomed by extremist individuals and groups online.

Online grooming:

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has launched the Not In Our Community (NIOC) anti-grooming campaign.

The website, https://notinourcommunity.org/, has plenty of resources and outlines the best professionals to contact if you think your child is at risk.

For 24/7 free, confidential help and advice you can call or text 116000 a dedicated sexual exploitation helpline run by the Missing Persons Charity.

If you want to anonymously discuss concerns about grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation you can speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Childline on 0800 1111 or online.