‘People lose inhibitions online’ – campaign aims to protect young people when using internet

Safer Internet Day, which takes place on Tuesday, helps to encourage the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for young people.

The county’s constabulary will be issuing messages on social media, informing people on how to stay safe online and signposting them to websites offering further help and advice.

Officers will also be visiting schools around the county on the day, while the force’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team will be on hand between 10am and 2pm to respond to questions using the email address [email protected].

Asst Chief Con Mick Ball said: “People start using the internet from a very young age these days and can become very comfortable using different sites.

“In some cases they can become overconfident and may not understand or appreciate the risks that can come with revealing too much information or making friends with strangers online.

“Internet Safety Day is an opportunity to remind everyone, but especially younger people that the internet is a safe environment when used with caution.

“Generally we advise people not to do things online that they wouldn’t do in public. In many ways it is the same thing but people lose their inhibitions online and assume a level of anonymity that may be inaccurate.”

Click here for more internet safety advice from Herts Police.

You can also visit www.ceop.police.uk or www.getsafeonline.org for further information.