10/11/2009 - Internet safety for young people - a major conference - media invite

A major conference takes place at Rheged near Penrith on Thursday (12th November 2009) to help raise awareness about internet safety, particularly for children.

Key speakers, both local and from across the country, will address 150 delegates at the conference, 'Protecting Children, Young People and Professionals in the Digital World.'

The event, organised and funded by Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children Board (LCSB), begins with a performance by students from Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale about the risks they face using the internet.

Speakers include Cumbria's Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde, President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace and Will Gardner, Chief Executive Officer, Childnet International.

The conference will also involve interactive workshops and information areas.

Aswell as the safety of children, delegates will hear about the need for safe working practices from organisations and professionals who work with young people.

Jeff Haslam, E-Safety Advisor, Children's Services, Cumbria County Council, said:

"As children and young people spend more time in the 'virtual world' that ICT brings in its various forms, we increasingly have a duty to make sure they do this safely." 

Research has found that more than a third of 12–15-year-olds have faced some form of cyberbullying, such as identity theft.

The conference is linked to Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16-20th November.

This year's theme is 'Stay Safe in Cyberspace.'

Anti-Bullying Week is run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance with funding support from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337