Cheshire Police urges parents to discuss online safety with children

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:15 · Archive

Cheshire Police is urging parents to discuss legal online behaviour with children as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Cheshire Police is urging parents to talk to their children about staying safe and legal online, as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and in response to rising concerns. The National Crime Agency has warned that young people could be engaging in illegal online activity without realising the consequences. One in five children aged 10 to 16 has reported behaviour that could breach the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Stephen Blake, cyber prevent officer for Cheshire Police, said many young people are talented with technology, coding and online platforms but often are 'curious, keen to learn and exploring their interests rather than setting out to commit crime'. He noted that 'some online behaviours can quickly cross the line into illegal activity without a young person fully understanding the risks or consequences'. While many young people develop digital skills through gaming and online learning, some unknowingly cross legal lines by accessing systems without permission or using disruptive online tools.

Cheshire Police is supporting the national Cyber Choices campaign throughout October, which aims to help families and young people understand the difference between legal and illegal online behaviour and promote positive pathways for those interested in technology, coding, gaming and cyber security. The Cyber Prevent programme, run by Cheshire Police, works to educate and guide young people before they become involved in more serious offences.

How it is being reported

• Cheshire Police urge parents to discuss legal online behaviour with childrenCheshire Police urges parents to discuss online safety as Cyber Choices highlights illegal hacking risks, the Computer Misuse Act and cyber security careers.Northwich Guardian · 10 Oct, 05:00
• Cheshire Police urge parents to discuss legal online behaviour with childrenCheshire Police urges parents to discuss online safety as Cyber Choices highlights illegal hacking risks, the Computer Misuse Act and cyber security careers.Warrington Guardian · 10 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Cheshire Police · National Crime Agency · Computer Misuse Act 1990 · Stephen Blake · Cyber Choices

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem