This year's Safer Internet Day, on Tuesday 9 February, will be highlighting the dangers of the internet and raising awareness of how to stay safe online.

'The internet is a wonderful resource, both educationally and socially. However you would not let a stranger come and play with your children in your home and that is how you should view the internet. It's a portal into your children's lives for thousands of strangers,' said Detective Sergeant Dave Shipley, from the Kent Police team responsible for handling internet crime.

He said parents/carers need to be aware of how to monitor their children's online activity and the software available to restrict access to websites and impose time locks.

Listen online

 Detective Sergeant Shipley talks about internet safety

Keeping your children safe

Detective Sergeant Shipley highlighted some simple, easy steps parents can take to help keep their children safe online:

• younger children should only use the internet in communal rooms, not in private, so parents can see what their children are chatting about and who too
• older children, who have the internet in their room, should be told to keep the door open
• parents who have children using social networking sites, such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace, should become a 'friend' of their child to see what they are posting online
• security products can be installed that allow parents/carers to block certain websites, implement time limits and monitor activity
• children and young people should not give out any personal information online for example phone number, address, email, school.
• if you do want to meet someone you have become friends with online you should always go with a parent or adult, or group of friends and make sure an adult knows the location.

Visit our internet safety page to find links to organisations that can offer more guidance on keeping children safe on the internet.

Webcams

Detective Sergeant Shipley also highlighted the risks linked to allowing children to use a webcam, he said: 'Webcams are a primary route for grooming children by sex offenders. Children can be encouraged to do things they would never normally do.

'Sadly, once images are given via email or webcam, they remain on the internet forever and cannot be retrieved.'

Teaching internet safety

Kent County Council e-safety officer Rebecca Avery added: 'It is really important to work at internet safety. It is no different to teaching children how to stay safe when crossing the road. These aren't necessarily things we know without being taught.'

Public protection

Kent Police's public protection crime unit is responsible for handling internet crime. In 2009, officers from the unit executed 56 search warrants and arrested 61 people for offences linked to the exploitation of children online.

Since May 2006, the team has protected 37 children from abuse and seen offenders sentenced to a total of 153 years in prison. When they are released from prison these offenders continue to be monitored as registered sex offenders.

Report illegal activity

If you are concerned about any content or activity on your child's internet and social networking sites then you should contact police.

You can report an issue by calling Kent Police on 01622 690690 or online through the ThinkUKnow website.

Posted on: 8 February 2010