Students were given valuable advice for protecting themselves online when Loughborough College teamed up with Leicestershire Police recently.
More than 200 students heard about a range of risks they could unwittingly be taking when they use digital platforms, which might impact on the rest of their lives.
“Many of us, not only young people, do not realise that increasingly common online behaviour could leave you on the wrong side of the law,” said Emma Setchfield, Learning Services Manager at Loughborough College.
“We joined with PC Rachel Chapman from Leicestershire Police to ensure these students, and over the coming weeks learners across the college, understand crucial information around the sharing of images, so called ‘sexting’, carelessness with privacy settings and cyber bullying.
“There are clear messages regarding online behaviour and ensuring it is consistent with how you would act in day to day life. It is also vital to point out what exactly constitutes an indecent image and that those of our students who are under 18 are considered children in eyes of the law.
“This is a safety message, it is about protecting yourself and others, ensuring that you avoid unwittingly becoming a victim or a perpetrator – perhaps even receiving a police caution or being put onto the sex offenders register.
“A wrong decision online could have consequences for the rest of your life.”
Pictured: Loughborough College join with Leicestershire Police to offer students valuable online protection advice