Campaign to keep kids safe on social media

West Yorkshire Police, Kirklees Council and children’s safeguarding boards have teamed up to highlight the dangers of chat forums and interactive platforms.

It is part of an initiative called Know the Signs, which highlights the issues of child sexual exploitation and encourages victims to report it.

Facebook and Twitter posts will be released which feature an image of two teenagers chatting online. The graphic then reveals one of them is not the person they are claiming to be.

Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board chairwomanBron Sanders said: “Helping young people to stay safe online is a crucial part of the work we do.

“Local organisations treat this as high priority, especially as the online environment is constantly changing and can present a wide range of risks.

“We work closely with partners across Kirklees and give guidance which is designed to protect children and young people.

Everyone has a duty to safeguard the welfare of children, and that must also apply to the digital world which is an integral part of so many lives.”

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd said it was vital young people understood the dangers of being online.

“Some people engage with strangers online, not knowing who they are talking to, their age or their intentions,” he said.

“Often offenders use false accounts, fake photos, and names to deceive their victims, encouraging them to meet with the intention of committing a sexual offence.”