Caerphilly has sent a letter regarding the safe use of technology at home. The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Parent/Carer
Safe Use of Technology
We have been made aware by Gwent Police that some children and young people in the Borough have been contacted inappropriately on the internet. This matter is being investigated. This has happened at home rather than at school so we are writing to all parents and carers in the Borough with some advice.

Technology can be complicated and because of this, keeping children safe when they use it can be difficult. However, there are some simple rules you can follow that will help. For example,
• Make sure the computer is kept in a family space so you can be sure it is being used safely .
• Don't share any personal information over the internet that could be used to identify you or your children and tell your children not to do so either
• Put secure privacy settings on social networking sites like Facebook

Remember that children and young people can access the Internet from their phones and other places outside the home so it is important that you tell them about the risks. We have enclosed a leaflet developed by Caerphilly Safeguarding Children Board that explains what kind of technology is available, what the potential risks to children and young people are and what you can do to keep your children safe. You can find more advice and links to useful websites that have lots of information about this issue on the Safeguarding Children Board website www.caerphillysafeguarding.org.uk

Should you have any immediate concerns about inappropriate contact with a child/children over the internet talk to the Headteacher or contact Detective Inspector (Child Protection) Mark Johnson on 01495745394.

Yours sincerely
Albert Heaney
Chair of Caerphilly Safeguarding Children Board

The original letter can be viewed from this link, and the leaflet which was enclosed can be downloaded from here.