Western Trust to host safety event as internet used by offenders to commit 139 sex offences against children in Northern Ireland in 2015/16

To promote Safer Internet Day, the Western Trust Esafety Steering Group is hosting an event on Thursday 9th February at the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry.

The aim of the event is to explore how technology impacts on children’s emotional health and wellbeing and is hosted in partnership with the Public Health Agency and NSPCC. The event is for anyone who works with children and young people and is concerned about the gap between what they know and what we need to know.

Recent statistics show that one in five 8-11 year olds and seven in ten 12-15 year olds has a social media profile and NSPCC research shows that one in four children have experienced something which has upset them on a social networking site. Childline carried out over 11,000 counselling sessions with young people last year about online issues including bullying, sexual abuse and feeling unsafe.

In a quarter of these sessions children and young people were also counselled for a mental health and wellbeing issues, including low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and depression.

PSNI figures obtained by the NSPCC also show that the internet was used as a gateway by offenders to commit 139 sex offences against children in Northern Ireland in 2015/16. The majority of offences (105) involved 12-15 year olds and over a fifth (30) of cases, the victims were aged 11 and under.

The keynote speaker is Professor Maggi Savin-Baden from University of Worcester who will focus on the main issues for children and young people in the digital environment and what practitioners need to know in terms of safeguarding and supporting. Local YouTube vlogger and film-maker, Izonhow, will give an insight into inspiring others through the use of digital media.

Sonia Montgomery, Assistant Manager, Health Improvement Department and Chair of the Western e-Safety Steering Group, Western Trust said: “The Trust’s Health Improvement Department has recognised that social media is a powerful medium, which can be used to share health messages and to support individuals to make healthier choices. However, evidence suggests that parents and practitioners are not always aware of what young people are able to access online.”

Sonia continued: “Although most information is positive and beneficial, unfortunately some young people will unknowingly put themselves at risk. The challenge for us is to learn how to communicate with our young people and get messages into their virtual world that will impact positively on their health and wellbeing.”

There will be an opportunity to discuss the work of the Western Esafety steering group and to help inform and become involved with the work of the group for the year ahead.

For further information on any aspect of Esafety in the West, including this event, please contact the Health Improvement Department, Western Trust on: 02871 865127 or email: [email protected]