The Child Centred Policing Team from Cumbria Police are holding four drop-in sessions in the February half term across Cumberland.
The team regularly hold talks in schools with young people on several topics including online safety and recognised a gap in educating parents and guardians.
The drop-ins aim to provide an opportunity to speak to officers for advice on online safety and how to protect children online.
The events are being held at the following venues on the following dates and between the following times:
- Whitehaven Family Hub – Tuesday 17 February 9am to 3pm.
PC Hunton will be carrying out two 30 minute presentations with Q&A sessions, due to limited spaces pre-bookings are required. No booking required for drop in sessions around those times.
- Maryport family Hub – Tuesday 17 February 12pm to 5pm.
PC Moffat will be running two inputs at 1pm and 3pm and will be free around those time for drop-ins.
- Longtown Family Hub – Tuesday 17 February 9:30am to 12pm
- Chances Family Hub, Morton – Wednesday 18 February 3pm to 5pm
Speaking on the sessions PC Neil Hunton from the Child Centred Policing Team said: “This is a great opportunity for parents, guardians and members of the community to speak to us and learn more about online safety.
“We regularly hold sessions in schools with young people, but its important parents are aware of the risks online.
“Regularly speaking to your child about their online activity, such as you would in asking them how their school day had gone, is a positive way of being aware of what they are doing online and may encourage them to raise any concerns with you directly. “
“If you unfortunately can’t make one of our sessions visit our website for support and advice on how you can help keep children safe online.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “As parents and guardians, all we want is to keep our children safe from harm.
“Nowadays, our children are much more tech savvy than many of us, but they are still incredibly trusting and naïve to the dangers that go on online.
“Technology brings the world into your child’s room, often when they are unsupervised. There is a lot of benefit to this, but also, as in life, potential danger. Understanding how to spot the signs of criminals online and having set rules for our children when it comes to online behaviour is one way to keep them as safe as possible.
“I would highly encourage parents, guardians or anyone that works closely with young people to join one of these sessions.
“Let’s work together to keep our young ones safe.”