Cyber safety project relaunched to protect children from online harm

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has relaunched an interactive safety project to protect children from the risks of online harm and exploitation.

The Platinum Commissioner’s Challenge is resuming in Ferryhill School as part of the County Durham and Darlington PCC’s work to improve young people’s safety and tackle cyber safety.

The rewards-based scheme, which was first unveiled earlier this year, engages Year 7 secondary school pupils in a range of activities designed to boost their knowledge and awareness of online safety risks.

Pupils are encouraged to bring their booklets home to carry out modules alongside their parents or guardians to ensure the adults at home are also up to speed with the threats posed to young people’s safety.

A ceremony takes place at the completion of the six challenges in the work booklet to honour those who successfully graduate from the scheme.

Commissioner Allen said: “I am excited for the return of the Platinum Commissioner’s Challenge. With the huge advances in digital technology and the growing amount of time young people spend online, the need for lively and engaging cyber safety education has never been more important.

“The initial project was a resounding success and both parents and pupils appreciated the valuable insight and practical skills shared. The project has the additional benefit of developing the young people’s leadership skills and confidence, as well as their resilience and critical thinking, and so it really is a win, win for all involved.

“I often speak to parents who are worried about the dangers their children face on the internet. Many feel powerless to protect them. This is primarily why the Platinum Commissioner’s Challenge was developed as a family experience where everyone, including any siblings, has an opportunity to benefit from the learning provided and caregivers can more easily initiate conversations about online usage with their children. These conversations can prevent serious harm and encourage children to be honest about their future experiences online.  

“Internet safety is an issue for both children and adults, and one we must tackle together. I will be monitoring the success of this project closely with a view to expanding its reach in the future to enable children across the county to benefit.”

The project’s booklet was developed by Jack Gooday – a fourth-year student studying cyber security under the supervision of the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC). The PCC is already working with the NEBRC on a project to provide educational institutions across the county heavily subsidised cyber security services to protect them from a cyberattack.

It is being delivered before the transition to the teenage years in the hope of striking a chord with the young people to prevent future harm.

The project follows the success of the original Commissioner’s Challenge scheme involving primary schools across the county.  

Developed and delivered by community organisation Approach Too, in conjunction with the PCC, this interactive project encourages young people to take part in a host of crime prevention activities including litter picking, safe road practices and property marking with UV markers to secure bronze, silver and gold badges. The aim is to equip them with them with the knowledge they need to make safe choices now and in the future.

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