How to keep children safe on the web

Posters have been sent to all junior, middle and high schools encouraging young people to think before they post personal information online.

William Formby, children and young people commissioning and prevention manager for Kirklees Council, said: "Young people need to keep personal information in mind when putting it on to internet websites.

"They may think it is only being shared with friends, but they may actually be leaving a door wide open for others to learn private information. This potentially puts them and others at risk."

Their advice includes:

Be beware of posting anything online that you would not want a future employer to see.

Don't publish personal details for anyone to find.

Set privacy settings so that only people that you know can see your profile and contact you.

Use different nicknames, user IDs and good passwords for different online activities.

Coun Ken Smith, the authority's joint cabinet member for children and families, said: "We have a vested interest in making sure the internet is a safe place and we need to empower young people and adults alike to be aware of the possible risks.

"We hope schools will refer to this new material and that it assists them in developing strategies that offer safe and secure technology environments.

"The posters support other guidance available so schools can continue to use the internet as a valuable education resource in the safest possible way."

European Safer Internet Week runs from February 8 to 12 and is part of a global drive to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people.

The event, organised by INS@FE and supported by the European Union through the Safer Internet Programme, has been celebrated since 2004 in a growing number of countries.

This year's theme is closely linked to privacy, protection of personal data and the prevention of cyber bullying and grooming.