Keeping children safe online this Christmas

Has your child added a new mobile phone, tablet or games console to their Christmas list this year?

The festive season is upon us once again and whilst many people see it as a perfect time to treat their loved ones and look to buy the latest electronic gadget, it’s important to remember how to keep children safe when using these devices online.

For some children, owning a new device will be the first time they have access to the online world and unfortunately, exposing them to new risks that they need to be aware of.

Let us help you keep them safe by making sure security and privacy settings are changed to ensure they don’t get contacted by someone you don’t want to.

Don’t leave it to chance, make sure that if you are planning to gift a games console, tablet or mobile phone to any young person, have it set up to help prevent them from being contacted by someone you would really not want to be speaking to or communicating with your children.

It’s simple to do, any high street retailer will be able to help you when you make a purchase, or you can find lots of information online in the Think You Know, Get Safe Online and NSPCC websites.

Hear more from Detective Sergeant Emily Jackson from our Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT).