Huddersfield University expert says: ‘Child grooming is rare - but it does happen’
Feb 9 2010 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Huddersfield University expert says: ‘Child grooming is rare - but it does happen’
And he says parents should take an interest in what their children do online, adding: “All parents and carers should talk to young people and give them clear messages about not giving out personal details, don’t say which school they go to or give out their mobile phone number.
“Young people also need to be aware that the person they are talking to may not be who they say they are.
“For example, a 14-year-old girl may be chatting online to a guy who says he’s 16, he may even have sent a photograph, but he may not be that person – they need to be wary.”
Young girls are more often the targets and Dr Gallagher believes it is because they are more likely than boys to use the internet to form friendships.
“This may be generalising but boys will play computer games whereas girls are more likely to want to chat and form friendships and relationships.
“Also most child sex offenders are heterosexual and male and therefore are going to target girls.”
Dr Gallagher believes education can be ‘hit and miss’ and although he said school teachers should not be burdened with more work, they could include the issues as part of sex education classes.
His main advice is to parents and carers – learn more about internet safety.
“Young people are very savvy when it comes to the internet,” he added, “but maybe their parents are not as technically minded – if they don’t know about it how can they pass that advice on?”
For more information about staying safe online visit www.childnet-int.org
DON'T give out your personal information. Keep your full name, address, mobile number, email address, school name and friends’ full names secret.
Never meet up with an online friend. Never arrange to meet an online friend, no matter how well you think you know the other person.
Don't open junk mail.
If they have your email address some websites will send you lots of junk emails trying to sell you things, or messages that make you feel uncomfortable. This is called spamming.
Delete any emails from people or companies that you don’t know. If you open an email that says rude or unpleasant things, you must tell a trusted adult straight away – and don’t reply to it.
Beware: people might not be who they say they are.
Chat and message boards are fun, but they can also be dangerous because you don’t know who you’re talking to. Remember stranger danger – you should use the same rules when you’re online.
Always tell an adult if you feel uncomfortable or worried. Don’t forget you can always log-off and leave a website.
