5 Advice about online grooming
Clare thought she knew...,
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Thinkuknow, http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is a specialist Police led centre responsible for responding to online abuse. The organisation has produced a series of very powerful films and a specialist ‘Thinkuknow’ education resource for schools to use with learners at different key stages. They also have a ‘Report abuse’ button which increasingly is being installed on social networking, MSN and other websites (including Facebook). The button gives young people and adults the opportunity to report anything suspicious to do with the inappropriate communication or ‘grooming’ of a child online. See http://www.ceop.gov.uk/ reportabuse/ and http://www.ceop.gov.uk/ reportabuse/ behaviour.asp for more information.
If you want to use any of the CEOP resources in schools you will need to register and be approved, which can be done at https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/teachers/register.aspx
Clearly some of the content would not be appropriate to show at KS1, but on the CEOP ‘Thinkuknow’ website there is an excellent Superhero music video at http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ 5_7/ leeandkim/ . This is a fun introduction to e-safety issues suitable for very young KS1 children.
The CEOP training programme has been rolled out across the UK. Ask in your school whether anyone has attended the CEOP ambassadors’ training and whether CEOP resources, including posters, films, leaflets and lesson plans are already available in your school or local authority.
Reflection
The issue of online abuse needs real care and sensitivity and is best discussed with children when they are older. However, in discussing internet safety with younger children it may be that a child tells you something which causes you to have a concern. It is therefore vital that you consult closely with your school’s designated member of staff for child protection should anything arise that causes you to be concerned about a child.
4 Advice on engaging with parents and carers