West Yorkshire Police warns of online risks for young children

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

West Yorkshire Police warns that children as young as seven are speaking to strangers online.

West Yorkshire Police has warned that children as young as seven are speaking to strangers online. The warning comes from PCSO Gemma Simpson, part of the force's new Cyber Champions scheme. As one of the first three Cyber Champions, she aims to raise cyber crime awareness and promote safer online habits across schools, businesses and communities.

Most children from around age seven have mobile phones with apps and accounts, but many are not aware of the issues that can arise from their use. PCSO Simpson said: 'It's important to teach children when they're young.' When she has visited schools, children have told her they have spoken to strangers online.

The Cyber Champions scheme supports West Yorkshire Police's Cyber team by offering advice on online safety practices. These include password protection, email security and two-factor authentication. The scheme also makes support available to businesses, many of which may not have access to professional cyber protection. PCSO Simpson noted that some local businesses cannot afford cyber protection and have reported being hacked in the past.

Emma Davies, cyber protect officer at West Yorkshire Police, said the scheme is valuable. She described it as 'a fantastic initiative that provides our officers on the front line with the opportunity to build on their tools'.

How it is being reported

• Children as young as seven exposed to online risks, PCSO warnsCHILDREN are speaking to strangers onlineKeighley News · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Children as young as seven exposed to online risks, PCSO warnsCHILDREN are speaking to strangers onlineTelegraph & Argus · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Children as young as seven exposed to online risks, PCSO warnsCHILDREN are speaking to strangers onlineWharfedale Observer · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: West Yorkshire Police · Gemma Simpson · Emma Davies

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