Police advice over online sexual predators

As part of the ongoing ‘Know the Signs’ campaign, the force has produced a number of easy to read guides which explain how to set privacy levels and restrict access to information on on smart phones, laptops and games consoles.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Jenkinson said: “If your teenager has a web-enabled device, then check our online guides to find out how to restrict who is able to see pictures and personal information on social media applications and gaming consoles.

“While these are great ways of keeping in touch with friends and family, it is also possible for strangers who could be pretending to be someone else to communicate with children via these devices.

“Most of us will remember the ‘Don’t Talk to Strangers’ campaigns, but this is just as relevant online and parents and carers have a role to play in activating privacy settings and making sure teenagers are aware of what they can do to protect themselves online.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Coun Colin Raistrick (Ind, Hipp/Light) said: “I’d urge all parents and carers of teenage children to double check that they are properly protected whenever they go online. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a technical expert as these easy to use guides will give you all the information you need to make sure they are secure.”

The guides and more information about the ‘Child Sexual Exploitation – Know the Signs’ campaign are available on the West Yorkshire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/cse/onlineguides