
The force serving East Riding have sought to clarify posts they made on a messaging service recently.
A statement on the Humberside Police website reads:
'Following information previously shared by Humberside Police in relation to concerns about content being shared in a popular messaging app we would like to reassure the local community that we are continuing to review and monitor activity, and we are asking parents and carers to be online safety aware.'
Superintendent Iain Pottage from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:
“We all play a key role in helping children stay safe online and for some children, owning a device will be the first time they have access to the online world which unfortunately comes with exposing children and young people to new risks that they need to be aware of.
“Officers from our Community Safety Unit regularly engage with schools, educating parents, teachers, and children on any emerging risks online, whilst also working to gather as much information as possible from them so we can ultimately work to tackle any issues, provide reassurance and crime prevention advice.
“We also have a dedicated Police Online Investigations Team who work with a variety of other agencies to help promote the safe, responsible, and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
“We all work together to keep children safe, and we all play a role in helping to create a safer online community.
“I understand the concerns other parents may have around the dangers of the online world, and I would advise parents to make sure any existing or new devices are age appropriate and that they have the parental controls set up to protect them from unwanted online contact.
“Try to be open with your children so that they know they can come to you if something has happened online that worries them, or they’re upset with or if a stranger has tried to contact them or send them a friend request.
“I would encourage anyone that has any concerns or thinks an offence has taken place to please call us on 101. Even something that you may think seems small can help build the bigger picture enabling professionals to investigate and take appropriate action.”
More information can be found here: Online child abuse | Humberside Police
You can also visit the CEOP Safety Centre for advice on how to add safety settings, block, or report social media here: oursafetycentre.co.uk
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