Police promoting internet safety at the Amex

As part of a drive to raise awareness of internet safety, youth prevention officer PC Jan Szaranek and police community support officer (PCSO) Cydnie Noakes gave advice to Brighton and Hove Albion fans on Saturday (February 3).

PC Szaranek said: “We had some really positive conversations with parents and children about their safety online. Some were more aware than others, but it was great to see that most had a keen interest to learn more and spread the word to their families.”

To mark Internet Safety Day (February 6), today PC Jan Szaranek is on Sussex Police’s Snapchat at sussex_police to keep the conversation going with their followers.

“We’ve worked hard to get our message across and we’re grateful to the Albion for their support in helping us achieve this,” PC Szaranek said.

The new prevention teams, set up last November, aim to work directly with the community on the issues causing the most concern.

A Sussex Police spokesperson gave the following tips for staying safe online: “It starts with empathy in order to build positive relationships. Messages can be misinterpreted, so put yourself in other people’s shoes, listen, don’t judge and reassure.

“Be the best version of you. What do your images and videos say about you; how would someone perceive you based on your posts and comments?

“Be in control if your online activity. Update your settings and keep your personal information safe.

“Make sure you know how and where to report – help is here on the Safer Internet Centre’s social media help page.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added: “We all have to take responsibility for our own digital security, not just our banking pin and passwords, but our identities and our more personal details and images.”

To find out more about the UK campaign for Safer Internet Day, visit: www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2018