Staying Safe Online
For many people, the internet and other new technologies and media are a normal part of our life.
Sadly however, it has also proven to open opportunities for criminals and organised criminal gangs to take advantage in scamming and committing fraud in order to gain financial reward.
New online crimes are becoming increasingly common and more sophisticated. Cyber-bullying, stalking on social media and “revenge porn“ are growing and affecting more and more victims.
If you use IT and / or social media it is important that you understand how to keep yourself safe online and how to use social media platforms like Facebook or shopping online safely.
Things you should keep safe and not share online:
- Age
- Date of birth
- Bank account details
- Your security details for accounts
- Your password
Remind your child:
- How easy it is for a person to hide their real identity online. Not everyone is who he/she says they are.
- Never arrange to meet someone they have ‘met’ on the internet.
- Never give out contact details to someone they have met online such as their phone number or address.
- Never give out personal details that may reveal their age, gender or location, such as their school or college.
- Change their email address if they suspect someone they have met online has access to it.
- To tell you if they’re worried about something or someone they have come across on the internet.
- Only use moderated chat rooms so they can chat to their friends, but are monitored to keep them safe.
- Never email a photo of themselves to someone they have met online.
- Don’t believe everything they read – sometimes people don’t tell the truth and will say things to manipulate them.
- To use their common sense; if something seems wrong or makes them feel uncomfortable, then they
must tell you or another responsible adult straightaway.
Contacting Us
If you report a crime to Staffordshire Police, they will ask you if you are happy for your details to be passed on to the Staffordshire Victim Gateway and Restorative Justice Service. We will automatically receive your contact information and a brief overview of your experience and the crime, if you don’t specify to Staffordshire Police that you don’t want us to make contact with you. If you initially opted out of the service, you can self-refer at any time.
We can provide you with advice, information & emotional and practical support. We can liaise and advocate on your behalf, and introduce and support you to specialist services, who can help you gain the relevant support that can help in your recovery. We will be with you every step of the way. Our support is free and confidential, regardless of whether you have reported a crime or incident to the police, we are here to support you.
Crime Prevention Information
Additionally, it may also be useful for you to have advice on crime prevention that may help you to protect yourself in the future. You can find lots of useful information on local crime prevention by clicking here:
https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/