Guernsey Police help pupils to stay safe online

Police officers have been teaching students about online safety

Police are helping pupils in Guernsey to stay safe online.

On Safer Internet Day officers taught students about the risks and issued leaflets of support services to families.

Police officers have also been given extra training in handling issues such as cyber-bullying and revenge porn.

It follows police reports that a group on a social media app could be encouraging about 50 local children to send indecent images.

'Ongoing conversation'

Laura Simpson, digital safety development officer for Guernsey Police, said the Bailiwick Law Enforcement safety leaflets were a "first port of call" and offered "accurate, up-to-date advice on internet related harms".

She said "schools are all actively engaged in helping youngsters build good habits around online safety and digital literacy" but "this must be an ongoing conversation".

Ruari Hardy, chief officer, said: "A key principle of policing is prevention, and that is where the digital safety development officer has been vital.

"Laura has allowed us to ensure we are in schools and talking directly to young people about the risks the internet can pose."