Youngsters lead way on web safety

OLDHAM’S Youth Council has been invited to open a national conference about safety on the internet.

Last year, Youth Council members established an eSafety Subgroup and launched their own Young People’s Charter of Digital Rights.

The charter covered a range of digital risks, from bullying to inappropriate sexual contact and access to personal information.

Following the success of the project, all 67 members of the Youth Council, aged 11 to 21, will now open the Birmingham conference on Wednesday, on what is European Safer Internet Day.

In Oldham, this year’s eSafety week kicked off on Saturday with an awareness raising stall in the Spindles Shopping Centre.

The week will close with activities, presentations and information being offered to fans at Boundary Park when Oldham Athletic play Walsall next Saturday.

Dave Barter, Oldham’s eSafety spokesman, will also be addressing the Birmingham conference.

He said: “The key message for parents is to protect your children from harm but also to keep talking with children about how they are using the internet.”

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “Nowadays youngsters have far more access to the internet so it is extremely important they stay safe when logging on.

“The council takes this issue very seriously and I am pleased the good work we are doing to on the subject has been recognised.”

A drama performance for parents and children about internet safety will be held at Grange Arts Centre, Alderson Street, tonight.

For more information and tickets call the City Learning Centre on 0161-683 3160.