CAMPSMOUNT A Co-operative Academy
Our Ref: EST/YP November 2013
Dear Parent/Carer The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) has recently warned of increased use of webcams in social networking sites. CEOP are asking parents to be aware not only of their son/daughter’s use of the internet, but also the tools that they are able to use whilst on the Internet. A number of incidents, such as the one outlined below, have occurred recently through the use of webcams: An offender makes contact with a young person. This can happen anywhere online, including on a social network, in a chat room, in a game or even on their mobile. The offender begins a conversation and tricks the young person into acting inappropriately on a webcam. They trick them in a variety of ways including: pretending to be a girl or boy of the same age, pretending to be someone the child knows, impersonating a celebrity or flirting with them. The offender records the webcam footage. They then threaten to share the video with the young person’s friends or family. Some young people have been threatened for money or told to hurt themselves. This has happened to hundreds, potentially thousands, of young people in this country. There is also a worrying concern with a messaging/social network called ‘Kik’ which is becoming quite popular in schools. This app is available to download on most devices from ‘app stores’ and allows children to communicate with other people (they have the ability to talk to people they know, or don’t know) individually or in a group of up to 13 people at a time. We have also been made aware that within this app you can send pictures and it has been targeted by sex offenders who are impersonating other people, especially celebrities to attract a large audience for themselves. To help prevent further harm, we and CEOP are calling on parents and carers to talk to their son/daughter about this type of crime and to support them to come forward should they find themselves in difficulty. We encourage children and young people to do the following and would value your support to embed this at home with your son/daughter: Always tell an adult you trust if you are being threatened online. It is never too late to get help and support if this happens. Offenders are committing a serious crime and will be pursued and prosecuted by the police. Think before you go on webcam or messaging/social network services; never do anything which you wouldn’t be happy for family or friends to see. Remember, the internet is an essential part of young people’s lives and provides them with tremendous opportunities. The vast majority use it without coming to any harm. If you do have any concerns you can talk to Mr Staton, Assistant Headteacher and Designated Person for Child Protection or Jenny Parkinson, Deputy Designated Person for Child Protection. For information, advice and to report concerns directly to CEOP, visit www.ceop.police.uk The NSPCC have also set up a dedicated helpline for young people suffering this type of crime, which will be open 24/7. NSPCC helpline: 0800 328 0904, young people can also call Childline on 0800 1111. Yours sincerely
Mr Staton Assistant Headteacher Andrew Sprakes BA(Hons) Headteacher Ryecroft Road, Norton, Doncaster DN6 9AS Tel: 01302 700002 Fax: 01302 707775 Email: heads.pa@campsmount.com www.campsmount.com
“Developing Effective 21st Century Learners”