Online safety campaign helping to protect children in Wales

The Safer Kids campaign, launched by Get Safe Online in partnership with North Wales Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, aims to promote safer internet use among young people across North Wales.

The scheme, backed by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, targets children who may be spending more unsupervised time online during the summer break.

It aims to promote safer internet use (Image: Supplied) Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said: "The internet has so many benefits and for our children to have the opportunity to use it to support their studies, interact with their friends and even to shop, has become second nature.

"However, as with so many other things they do, it’s really important that they do so safely.

"Our campaign this month focuses on key advice to help kids enjoy a safe and happy experience on the internet."

The campaign delivers practical advice to children and parents, including the importance of open conversations about internet safety, using parental controls, and encouraging the use of child-friendly apps and platforms.

Mr Dunbobbin said: "Supporting victims and communities across North Wales is a priority in my plan to reduce crime in North Wales and our children and young people lie at the heart of a safe society.

"They are what we hold most precious.

"As we head into the summer holidays, it is therefore vital we do all we can to ensure our children and young people stay safe online.

"As parents and guardians, summer can be a difficult time juggling childcare with work, looking after the home, and seeing to other family members.

"This means children can be sometimes less supervised than when at school and that’s why advice like that from Get Safe Online is so important at this time."

The campaign delivers practical advice to children and parents (Image: Supplied) PC Dewi Owen from North Wales Police’s cyber crime team said that while going online offers children opportunities to socialise and learn, it also comes with risks.

He said: "For many children and youngsters spending time online is a very important part of their lives.

"It’s an opportunity to socialise, have fun and relax and to be creative and learn about new things.

"However, spending time online can also expose youngsters to bullying, inappropriate content or comments, or risks associated with stranger contact."

National figures underline the need for the campaign.

The 10- to 15-year-olds’ Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 92.6 per cent of children go online every day, with 58.1 per cent spending three or more hours online during a typical school day.

The campaign also highlights that more than a third of children have accepted friend requests from strangers.

Mr Neate said that parental engagement is vital.

He said: "We therefore encourage parents to show an interest in their children’s online activities and to have open conversations with them to find out more about which apps they use and which websites they visit and what sorts of things they do on there."

Full guidance and resources are available online.