Students at Denstone College in Uttoxeter learned about the very real dangers of the online world and the importance of cyber safety during a special visit by Staffordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.
Sue Arnold visited the school during Cyber crime awareness week to present the winner of a cyber safety competition run by the PCC’s office with their certificate and prize.
The winning poster, designed by Imogen Cooper from the school, features key messages about how to prevent becoming a victim of cyber crime and staying safe online.
During her visit, Mrs Arnold highlighted some of the key ways young people can stay safe online.
‘The internet and its development has brought a real wealth of opportunity for all, but also a rather sinister flipside of new and constantly changing threats from crime and criminals. It’s a rapidly moving world and one, which criminals are finding new ways of exploiting all the time.
‘We all need to be mindful of the risks online, but young people can be especially vulnerable to being exploited and preyed upon.
‘It was good to have the chance to talk to students at Denstone College, who were incredibly receptive. I would like to congratulate all those who took part in the competition. The winning poster featured key messages about cyber safety and the creativity was outstanding.”
Ms Morris, Assistant Director of Music, said: ‘At Denstone College we take cyber safety very seriously and there is a provision of education for all our young people. All the first form took part in this competition and many congratulations to Imogen on winning!’
Cyber crime, is a general term for any crime committed online covering anything from fraud and bullying to theft and grooming. It can be done by computer, smart phones, tablets or other devices.
Cyber crime also includes crimes against your computer or device such as contaminating or corrupting it with viruses or taking-over your social media profile, email account or your website.
The competition was part of the Cyber Safe Staffordshire campaign which aims to raise awareness about cyber crime and how people and businesses can protect themselves and their families online.
The campaign was launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Matthew Ellis and the Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police Jane Sawyers.
You can find out more information about cyber crime at: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/cyber-safe-staffordshire
