Parents and carers are being asked to talk to their children about what they're doing online as part of the fight to keep them safe from online harm. 

The call to start a conversation comes from the Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership for Safer Internet Day on Tuesday (7 February). 

It comes after a survey of primary school pupils and families last summer showed a mismatch between what children in Derbyshire are experiencing online compared to what their parents think is happening. 

Cyberbullying, hate speech, grooming and exploitation are among the main ‘online harms’ that can affect young people. 

The survey by i-vengers found: 

• 9% of parents said their children had been approached online by a stranger compared to 37% of school-age children who admitted this had happened. 
• 9% of parents said their child had had a nasty comment online, compared to 32% of young people 
• 14% of parents said their child went online when they should have been asleep whereas 30% of young people said they did. 

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart, said: “A number of high-profile cases have made us more aware than ever of the dangers of being online. 

“And while the internet is a great source of information and a platform for children to have fun with their friends and express themselves, it’s important for parents to understand what their children are accessing, and the risks associated with those sites, games and apps.” 

The theme of Safer Internet Day 2023 is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’. 

Cllr Hart said having conversations about what they’re doing can be useful. “Making it part of your everyday conversations can help if anything bad happens online as they may find it easier to go to a parent or carer for help.” 

Traci Good from i-vengers, said conversations should be age-appropriate so rather than talking about ‘grooming’ to an eight-year-old, parents might want to talk about strangers in the online chat.  

“By having conversations with your children at home about what they are doing online and being a safe place to fall if things go wrong, children are more likely to seek advice and support from parents and carers.  

“This will mean we can pick up small problems before they become big problems.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said Derbyshire Police has boosted its capabilities to tackle cyber-crime and increase child protection, but it is vital everyone is vigilant and aware of the potential harm that can be taking place online. 

Derbyshire Police cybercrime unit are holding two webinars on general online safety, including starting conversations with young people. Booking is essential. 

Tues 7 Feb, 6.30pm  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/517467377857   

Weds 8 Feb, 1.30pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/517638228877  

For more information about Safer Internet Day, including links to where families can find out more about starting a conversation with their children or grandchildren, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/saferinternetday  

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