Riverina Police District officers are teaming up with the Wagga Police Citizens Youth Club to host a free hour-long forum to teach parents and children how to operate safely online. 

Detective chief inspector Carlene Mahoney said it is crucial for children and parents to know what to do in an online world. 

“It’s focused on respect and making sure they know who they are talking and that it’s not someone who wants to hurt them,” she said. 

Dr Mahoney said often young internet users are unaware of the consequences their actions have. 

“We have had cases where young people share images of themselves online and then someone might share that at out at school and that person can get charged for sharing child pornography,” she said. 

“That can mean people getting on the sex offenders register at a young age.” 

Dr Mahoney said other cases often revolve around bullying, harassment and hacking. 

“One big tip is to turn off locations so people can’t track you,” she said.

“Also thinking about the recommendation.”

Dominic Teakle, CEO of PCYC NSW, said this issue is relevant for young people, parents and the community alike.

“PCYC sits at the heart of most NSW communities so we believe it is our responsibility to ensure we provide cyber education to empower young people to combat issues around cyber bullying, sharing information online particularly images that may be compromising, and developing respectful and safe relationships,” he said 

“There is no doubt that technology has transformed our lives and while it has many benefits, there are those that use it for criminal and harmful purposes. 

“It is critical to have open and honest discussions with young people about the internet, particularly social media use. ”

Mr Teakle said his rule of thumb is if you don’t want to share it with parents or nan, then don’t put it online.

The free Safer Internet Day interactive presentation at PCYC Wagga Wagga will be held on February 5, at 7pm. For more information, call 6921 5873.

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