A new campaign to help parents keep their children safe online has been launched.
Peter McCall, Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, is urging parents to monitor their children’s social media accounts.
The aim is to help parents support their children dealing with negative comments online and how this can affect their mental health.
Mr McCall funds the organisation Get Safe Online, which is spearheading the campaign.
Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said: “While many believe that kids shouldn’t be on social media at all, it is possible for children to be involved in a safe and responsible manner.
“It is relevant to reflect on how our kids use social media and how best to guide them as they post, like and scroll through this summer.”
Mr McCall urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers of exaggerating, lying or sharing personal information online as well as encouraging parents to set out rules and boundaries around social media.
He said: “Everyone has the responsibility to make sure their posts are appropriate.
Tips to support your child online include:
- Talk to your child about the importance of social media
- Explain how important it is to be yourself and stay true to who you are
- Remind your child to think before they post
- Suggest a social media break
- Set an example for your child online
For more tips on how to stay safe online, visit www.getsafeonline.org.
