New scheme to help pupils stay safe online

TdaNews Direct
Published: 23 October, 2007

A new government scheme has been launched to keep pupils safe online.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), which is the UK police body for preventing child sex abuse, has developed a programme aimed at teachers and parents to educate pupils about potential dangers online.

As part of the scheme, children between eight and 11 will be asked to complete internet and text activities which make them aware of safe internet practices.

Jim Gamble, chief executive of CEOP, told BBC News: "Children as young as eight are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their use of the internet.

"But where the natural, innocent naivety of children collides with the open and often unrestricted nature of the virtual world, then their safety is always going to be called into question."

On the CEOP's Think U Know website there are a number of online activities arranged by age group which advise young people on how to have fun and stay in control online.

There is also information on how to report potentially criminal behaviour on the internet and a section where teachers can learn how to educate their pupils on this matter.