‘At Risk’ Groups: children, young people and ‘adults at risk’
We are living through difficult times. We are required to stay at home, not see friends face to face, and are unable to take part in hobbies, activities, events or simply just meet up with those we are close to and catch up.
There is an increase in opportunities to talk and be friendly with others online, via phones, other devices, and social media.
We can continue lessons, develop old skills and learn new ones. We can take part in a wide variety of virtual activities including sport, keep-fit, music, arts, cooking, dating and online gaming, all through the use of the internet, mobile phones and social media.
It is important for everyone to remember:
1) Only link up face to face with a group or person already known
2) If communicating with a single person, ask:
- do you know the person?
- if not, how has this person been able to contact you?
- is it something you will feel happy and safe doing?
IMPORTANT: Children and young people should always tell their parents or carers what they are going to do and who they will be connecting with, whether it is a group or single person or if they are known to them or not.
3) Take a little time before connecting, to learn about keeping safe online:
- Get Safe Online - advice for adults
- Thinkuknow - advice for children and young people
4) Children and young people should always tell parents or carers if they become unhappy, uncomfortable or worried by what is happening online such as:
- being asked to do something they know is not right or makes them feel uncomfortable
- giving details about themselves, such as phone number and address
- feel pressured into doing things like taking photos or videos of themselves
- being asked to link with other adults their parents/ carers don’t know
- being asked to keep what is happening secret
If they feel unhappy, as well as telling parents or carers, they can contact Childline (0800 1111)
IF YOU HAVE AN URGENT CONCERN ABOUT SAFETY OF A CHILD OR ‘ADULT AT RISK’, DO NOT DELAY: DIAL 999
FOLLOW THE GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTION: BE ALERT & STAY SAFE
