Online safety webinar to be held for Norfolk parents
Parents and carers can find out how to keep young people safe online during a live Q&A this week
Parents and carers in Norfolk are being invited to find out how to keep children safe online.
A live Q&A is being delivered by Norfolk Police's Children and Young People's Team, and hosted by Norfolk County Council on behalf of the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership.
It's taking place on Thursday 9 February, two days after Safer Internet Day (9 February), as young people spend more time at home due to the pandemic.
Detective Superintendent Andy Coller said: "We are acutely aware that families are under untold pressure at the moment, and we want them to know that we are here to support them in any way we can.
"With children and young people spending so much more time online, particularly at the moment with schools closed again, it's essential that parents know what their children are up to online, who they're talking to and the sites they're visiting. This isn't easy of course but there are simple steps they can take and some trusted advice and information available, including this special webinar next week, which can help.
"I'd encourage any parent or carer to try to make the webinar if they can: our team will be able to answer any questions they might have and help them to protect their children online, as well as empower their children to keep themselves safe too."
Tory Rush, Norfolk Constabulary's Safer School Partnership Support Worker, who is leading Thursday's webinar, said: "This is such a challenging time for young people and the internet provides something of a release for them, a way of interacting with others and socialising. This is fine but it's essential that parents promote the idea of safe socialising, chatting to only those they have met in person, gaming with only those people you know.
"We want parents to feel confident in talking to their child about the digital world, even if they're not too sure of everything themselves, and we're here to help and support them in making that happen."
In addition to this week's webinar, Norfolk Police is working with high schools to provide Personal, Social, Health, Education (PSHE) lessons to discuss online safety and mental health.
Parents and carers interested in joining the webinar can book their free place via eventbrite.co.uk.