ThinkUKnow: Thank you to the parents who were able to join our online Internet Safety, parent program called ‘ThinkUKnow’. The program covered many aspects of ways to keep your child safe while using online portals and programs. The presentation was pro-technology and addressed topics including self-generated child abuse material, online grooming, image-based abuse, sexual extortion, and importantly encouraged help seeking behaviour.

Below is some feedback from parents on the ThinkUKnow program:

This was a very detailed presentation and from it I learnt to strengthen the security settings on my FB profile which I actioned immediately. I was shocked that the average age for a gamer was 36! I was thinking more along the lines of 15-17 year olds. It is always useful to be across the latest platforms and chat functions. It is a very frightening world out there, not only for us but for our children too, the more information we have to be able to protect them online the better - Claire

1. Hashtags are public regardless of the security settings you have on your social media accounts.
2. There are various agencies that can help you if your child has been exploited, noted above.
3. Kids under 16 taking and sending risky photos of themselves are considered to be in possession of child abuse material and it is a sex offence
4. That a lot of social media accounts allow the use to have a vault or secret location to save and store images and conversations and contacts - Lisa