Kilrea pupils learn about personal safety

AS part of the police's Community and Safety Education (C.A.S.E.) programme, Neighbourhood Constable Adrian Gillan visited St Columba's and Kilrea primary schools last week to offer guidance to pupils on internet safety, personal safety and drugs and alcohol misuse.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2010, 16:54 BST
Updated 17th May 2010, 18:05 BST

Constable Gillan said: “Lots of young people access the internet under the guidance or supervision of a teacher or parent, and it can be a useful way to obtain information that will help them complete school projects.

“However, as children get older, they may want to start using the internet to keep in touch with friends through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Bebo. It is important that young people are fully aware that the information they share with others may actually be accessed by a wider audience and viewed by people who are not necessarily friends. This is why they need to know how to keep themselves and their personal details safe when online.”

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Constable Gillan also spoke about illegal drugs and alcohol misuse.

He said: “Underage drinking is not cool, nor is taking illegal drugs. Both can have a very negative effect on young people’s personal development, and as both substances can be addictive, if left unchecked.

Speaking about children’s personal safety Constable Gillan added, “Young people also need to know to say no to strangers, and while such approaches are rare, knowing what to do if it should ever happen, will help to keep them safe."

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