Parents and carers have been warned by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland about the importance of educating children on online safety before gifting new devices and technology gadgets for Christmas.
Police revealed reports of online child sexual abuse crimes have jumped by over 80% in the last three years with many being approached by sexual predators online and across gaming platforms.
These offences include sexual assault and sexual communication with a child where any element of the offence was committed online.
The Police Service working in partnership with the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland and Educational Authority, have today, Monday 12th December issued a message to parents and carers across Northern Ireland raising awareness of online grooming and how to keep children and young people safe online, over this Christmas period.
All families should have downloaded the Safeguarding app and refer to it for advice and support.
Further advice is available via the following link:
https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/internet-safety/keeping-children-safe-online
