How to make sure your child is protected from online crime during lockdown

With many children currently off school, it’s predicted more and more will be going online.

While it can be a great place to learn and interact with others, without the right protection in place, kids can fall victim to online crime such as; grooming, sextortion, cyberbullying and fraud.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Quinn from Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection team said: “Technology can be great and exciting and we know that youngsters will be doing a lot of their socialising online during this time.”

“Unfortunately, we see the darker side of the web and it’s absolutely vital that parents and carers make sure children are protected from this. Our message to parents and carers is that if a child is going off to spend some time online or using apps, it’s their responsibility to know that they are safe and if they’re of a certain age, that they understand the dangers.”

KEY ONLINE SAFETY TIPS:

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– Add parental controls to all computers and devices

– Be open and speak to your child about safe and responsible use of the internet, including what they say and who they communicate with

– ensure they are aware of the dangers of sending photographs to anyone else and posting photos on social media channels

– Make it your business to know what your child is up to online

– Don’t allow children to lock themselves away in a room to go online

– Encourage them to be open and talk to you if possible

Unfortunately, there have been occasions where online child grooming and sextortion cases have taken place by adults purporting to be children on social media.

In these circumstances, children may be completely unaware that they are being groomed and it can go on undetected for some time. Whilst these incidents are rare, it’s good to be aware of the signs.

ONLINE GROOMING SIGNS:

– Is your child wanting to spend more and more time on the internet?

– Is your child being secretive about who they’re talking to online?

– Do they switch screens when you come near the computer?

– Do they possess items – electrical devices or phones – you don’t know about it?

– Are they using sexual language you wouldn’t expect them to use?

– Have they become emotionally volatile?

For more information about keeping your child safe online, visit: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

If you are concerned that your child is being targeted online, please call us on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.