I’m PC Simon Collins, the West Oxfordshire Schools Officer

My role involves:

Building positive relationships between the students and the police

Engaging with young people so they have more say on community safety issues

Rolling out educational packages that teach students about personal safety and responsibility within their communities

Supporting and developing activities to address challenging behaviour

Reducing crime offences in and around school

School Watch

Based on similar principles to Neighbourhood Watch, all schools across the district are signed up to receive crime alerts and witness appeals direct from the police.

The scheme covers protection of the premises, staff, parents and students. Signs are displayed around school property to make visitors aware of the scheme.

Enjoying life online

Just as you decide which TV programmes are suitable, you need to do the same for the websites and chatrooms your children visit. You can add filtering software that prevents them entering sites you would not wish them to see.

Internet browsers like Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator are likely to have inbuilt filters you can turn on, and many internet service providers also offer the same service. Filters are sometimes termed ‘Net Nanny’ services. However filters may need updating from time to time and may also block sites that are ok.

The most effective tool of all is common sense.

Bobby’s top tips for children to stay safe online

Tell your parents if you come across any information or pictures that make you feel uncomfortable.

If you want to meet someone you have only talked to online, ask your parents to go with you and meet them in a public place.

Help your parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them about the internet.

Never send someone your photo or download any software without first
checking with your parents. Unknown files may contain viruses or nasty messages.

Never give out your internet password to anyone other than your parents.

Never give out your address, phone number, email or school details. Use ‘nicknames’ in chatrooms rather than your real name and cartoon icons rather than your photo.

Never do anything that hurts other people or breaks the law.

Links

Advice on internet safety

ChatGuide
www.bbc.co.uk/chatguide

Home Office Wise Up To The Net
www.wiseuptothenet.org

Thames Valley Police
www.thamesvalley.police.uk/chatsafe/index.htm

Childnet International
www.childnet-int.org

Reporting suspicious activity
Internet Watch Foundation
www.iwf.org.uk

Reporting Online Bullying
Kidscape 020 7730 7081
www.kidscape.org.uk

New Crimestoppers service for young people
www.shadowcs.co.uk is the new website launched by Crimestoppers and aimed at young people aged 11 to 16.

The site covers everything related to crime and features topical news, games and competitions. Visitors  can also ‘Ask Shady’ for advice anonymously.