Hertfordshire Police share advice to keep young people safe online while schools are closed

Hertfordshire Police is providing advice for parents and carers of young people who are spending more time online during periods of self-isolation.

The closure of many schools due to the coronavirus means that opportunities for children to talk to and play with friends will be limited to online interaction.

This will almost certainly lead to children spending more time online. Parents working from home may not be able to monitor their children’s use of the internet, as much as they usually would.

Children motivated by boredom could start to engage with new groups or individuals and this in turn could make them vulnerable to those looking to groom young people.

Detective Sergeant Marc Willmore, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Halo - Safeguarding Vulnerable Children, said: “Parents and carers should encourage children to be open about what they are doing online.

"Keep gaming devices, computers and tablets in the living room, use parental controls and keep up to date on the apps and games children are using.

"Whilst they’re using the internet, ask children to show you what they enjoy doing online and the apps they’re using, so you can understand them.

“It is useful to explore the social networks, apps and games your child uses.

"Reassure your children that if they're worried about anything they see online, they can come to you.

"Ask your children about their online “friends” and how they know them. Remind children that people online may not be who they say they are and warn them of the dangers of being groomed.”

Online grooming may be hard for parents to recognise and groomers may specifically warn children not to talk to anyone about it.

There are a number of signs to be aware of, although a lot of them are quite common among teenagers, but look out for increased instances of:

> Wanting to spend more and more time on the internet

> Being secretive about who they are talking to online and what sites they visit

> Switching screens when you come near the computer

> Possessing items – electronic devices or phones – you haven’t given them

> Using sexual language you wouldn’t expect them to know

> Becoming emotionally volatile

Groomers often target young people by sending out friend requests on popular sites and platforms to see who responds. They may strike up a conversation to build a relationship with a child and ask them to continue the chat privately.

Officers are advising parents and carers to talk to their children about who they are talking to and ensure they genuinely know them.

Give them advice about the dangers of sharing personal details with people they don’t know in real life and the potential risks of meeting up with someone in real life.

For more advice on how to keep safe online click here.