CCPAS Press Release

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6 February 2007

CCPAS URGES CHURCHES ACROSS UK TO TAKE PART IN THINKUKNOW –

NEW EUROPEAN CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE CHILD SAFETY ON THE INTERNET

Leading child protection agency welcomes report but raises serious questions on implementation

The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) today urged churches, youth groups, ministers, youth workers and parents across the UK to promote Safer Internet Day through taking part in ThinkuKnow on 6 February.

The Thinkuknow education programme has been developed by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, which is affiliated to the government's Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). The interactive presentation shows young people how to stay in control and how to report any concerns they may have about someone they are talking to online.

As part of Safer Internet Week, the presentation will be delivered in secondary schools throughout the UK by staff from the CEOP Centre, trained teachers and police schools liaison officers.

The new initiative comes at a time when the computer industry is under growing pressure from its consumers to improve safety as children spend an increasing amount of their spare time online. Speaking last week at the world's largest hi-tech conference, the Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates told delegates: "connected experiences" were now the most important part of new technologies. "Young people spend more time with their Windows PC than watching TV."

CCPAS has produced a guide for parents about internet safety. Entitled Help. I Want my Child to Stay Safe on the Net . Specifically covering children and young people, it contains important Internet safety do's and don'ts, including the importance of not divulging personal information, chat rooms, conduct on the Internet and what to do if someone writes anything that is threatening or worrying. Schools, youth clubs and a police force are already using these guides in quantity. They have also produced pocket guides for young people ‘stay safe on the net'.

CCPAS spokesperson on Internet Safety Simon Bass commented: “We welcome this new initiative. Internet based child abuse is a serious and growing problem, and children from church backgrounds are by no means immune from this type of exploitation. That is why we are giving ThinkuKnow our wholehearted backing.

“We therefore urge every church and faith group – especially parents and those responsible for any kind of childrens' ministry – to sign up so the children in their care are protected when they go online.”

Top tips for staying safe are highlighted at www.thinkuknow.co.uk . They include the following:

• Don't give out personal details online. This includes Messenger id, email addresses, mobile numbers and pictures.

• It's better to keep online mates online. Never meet up with strangers without taking a trusted adult.

• Remember that any pictures or videos published online can be changed or shared

• Some people lie online – not everyone is who they say they are

• It's never too late to tell someone if something makes you feel uncomfortable.

• There are people who can help. Report online child sex abuse at www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Useful facts and figures:

• 75% of children and young people aged between 9-19 years have internet access at home
• According to the OfCom Communications Market Report 2006, 70% of young people aged between 16 and 24 are using new online social networking sites to make friends, share information and have fun
• 1 in 12 children have met someone offline who they initially engaged with online
• 31% of young people have received unwanted sexual comment online or by text message though only 7% of parents are aware that their child has received such material.
• More than 2000 reports have been received by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre since its launch in April 2006
• Approximately 50% of these reports relate to online grooming through social networking sites.

Media Enquiries: Iain Taylor or David Pearson

Taylor Communications CCPAS

01732 461060 0845120 4550

or 07979 914217 or 07836 376803

taylor.comm@tiscali.co.uk david@ccpas.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) is an independent Christian charity providing professional child protection advice, support and training to churches, faith and other organisations throughout the UK and beyond.

Every week it is involved with:

•  30 churches/faith organisations helped in developing child protection policies

•  830 children's workers and leaders trained

•  500 contact helpline (24 hours) or email for advice

•  300 criminal records checks carried out for churches and faith groups

For more information, please see www.ccpas.co.uk