This half term we would like to share news about CEOP; a term that is used a lot when discussing Online Safety.

This is something that is said so frequently when teaching Online Safety, whether this is in assemblies, in a classroom or through interactive online tools. Our children will most likely recognise the symbol but do they actually know what CEOP does?

CEOP is actually a branch of the National Crime Agency and they work closely with a whole host of child protection teams to protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse.

This isn’t always a topic that is easy to discuss with your child but it’s important that they know where they can turn if something happens.

CEOP has recently launched a new online help centre to assist young people in finding

answers to their questions. This covers everything from if something has actually happened, or if they are just curious about the whole process (link below).

This online centre contains lots of useful information on a range of topics from relationships to socialising online.

Each area has a breakdown of what it is, what the law says, why people do it and how they can be supported.

One example of this is if a young person is receiving unwanted sexual material. Everything is clearly stepped out and easy to read for all ages.

Have an ongoing conversation:

• Continue to talk about the apps, games and sites they like to use or may come across, and what they like and don’t like and any concerns about being online. Discuss with them when to unfollow, block or report;
• For help starting this conversation, read 'Having a conversation with your child' (link below).

Make sure they know where to go for support:

• Remind your child they can always speak to you or an adult they trust if anything happens online that makes them feel worried or upset;
• Remind them that they won’t be in trouble and that you are there to help;
• At school, your child can speak to a teacher they trust such as their class teacher, Mrs Mason or another member of staff they feel comfortable with;
• For a breakdown of report services, visit Internet Matters (link below).

Make sure they know about NCA CEOP:

• Young people can report a concern about grooming or sexual abuse to NCA CEOP at

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ and get support from a specialist Child Protection Advisor.