Menu
18/10/2013
MLAs Back Internet Safety Campaign
The Ulster Unionist Party and the Alliance Party have backed a new campaign to help young people remove explicit images online.
The campaign, a collaboration between ChildLine and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), follows a recent survey that revealed 60% of young people have been asked for a sexual image or video and 40% have created an image or video of themselves.
Over half of the young people surveyed by ChildLine said they had received a sexual photo or video. Most received them from a partner but a third received them from a stranger.
Ulster Unionist MLA Sandra Overend announced her support for the scheme. She said: "I have a long-standing interest in Internet safety. It has many aspects which, due to technological advances and developments, are rapidly changing the ways in which our young people use the internet.
"I have previously called for a more co-ordinated approach between Westminster and Stormont, and an inter-departmental strategy across Executive Departments here in the Northern Ireland Assembly to help promote Internet safety, which I regret to say appears to be making very slow progress.
"Anything that helps our children and young people stay safer online deserves our full support and I wish this venture every success."
Alliance Party OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said: "We have seen a growth of 'sexting' in recent years, which can have a devastating impact on the lives of young people. By providing advice and reducing the pressure on young people to share sexually explicit images, we can help reduce this worrying trend.
"I would like to commend Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation for the work they are doing to combat this problem and the help they provide to those young people who can find themselves in the troubling situation when an image becomes public."
(IT/JP)
The campaign, a collaboration between ChildLine and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), follows a recent survey that revealed 60% of young people have been asked for a sexual image or video and 40% have created an image or video of themselves.
Over half of the young people surveyed by ChildLine said they had received a sexual photo or video. Most received them from a partner but a third received them from a stranger.
Ulster Unionist MLA Sandra Overend announced her support for the scheme. She said: "I have a long-standing interest in Internet safety. It has many aspects which, due to technological advances and developments, are rapidly changing the ways in which our young people use the internet.
"I have previously called for a more co-ordinated approach between Westminster and Stormont, and an inter-departmental strategy across Executive Departments here in the Northern Ireland Assembly to help promote Internet safety, which I regret to say appears to be making very slow progress.
"Anything that helps our children and young people stay safer online deserves our full support and I wish this venture every success."
Alliance Party OFMDFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said: "We have seen a growth of 'sexting' in recent years, which can have a devastating impact on the lives of young people. By providing advice and reducing the pressure on young people to share sexually explicit images, we can help reduce this worrying trend.
"I would like to commend Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation for the work they are doing to combat this problem and the help they provide to those young people who can find themselves in the troubling situation when an image becomes public."
(IT/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 February 2015
Minister Promotes 'Safer Internet Day'
Education Minister John O'Dowd has urged people to stay safe when online as part of 'Safer Internet Day 2015'. He said: "In this fast-paced, ever changing, technological society in which we live, staying safe online is more important now than ever.
Minister Promotes 'Safer Internet Day'
Education Minister John O'Dowd has urged people to stay safe when online as part of 'Safer Internet Day 2015'. He said: "In this fast-paced, ever changing, technological society in which we live, staying safe online is more important now than ever.
11 February 2014
Ministers Promote Safer Internet Day
Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Jonathan Bell today attended St. Ita’s Primary School and Wellington College in Belfast to promote Safer Internet Day 2014. Today is the eleventh annual Safer Internet Day with the theme 'Let's create a better internet together'.
Ministers Promote Safer Internet Day
Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Jonathan Bell today attended St. Ita’s Primary School and Wellington College in Belfast to promote Safer Internet Day 2014. Today is the eleventh annual Safer Internet Day with the theme 'Let's create a better internet together'.
13 February 2023
Youth Workers Taught To Spot Signs Of Child Sexual Exploitation
The PSNI and Youth Work Alliance have hosted a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) training event – the first of three training events to support and ensure youth workers across Northern Ireland can spot the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation.
Youth Workers Taught To Spot Signs Of Child Sexual Exploitation
The PSNI and Youth Work Alliance have hosted a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) training event – the first of three training events to support and ensure youth workers across Northern Ireland can spot the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation.
09 February 2023
L'Derry Man Pleads Guilty To Attempted Sexual Communication With A Child
A 44-year-old man from L'Derry has pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, at Coleraine Crown Court. Named by the PSNI as Patrick Devine, he believed he was talking to three young girls aged 12, 13 and 14.
L'Derry Man Pleads Guilty To Attempted Sexual Communication With A Child
A 44-year-old man from L'Derry has pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, at Coleraine Crown Court. Named by the PSNI as Patrick Devine, he believed he was talking to three young girls aged 12, 13 and 14.
22 December 2023
Over 60 NI Businesses Support New Young People Initiative
More than 60 businesses from across Northern Ireland have announced their joint support for enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise (YE), which aims to support the next generation of Northern Irish entrepreneurs. With the support of the business community, YE has announced the launch of their new Business Backers campaign.
Over 60 NI Businesses Support New Young People Initiative
More than 60 businesses from across Northern Ireland have announced their joint support for enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise (YE), which aims to support the next generation of Northern Irish entrepreneurs. With the support of the business community, YE has announced the launch of their new Business Backers campaign.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
