Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for Children and Young People, Sandra Overend MLA, has welcomed the launch of the NSPCC ‘Share Aware’ campaign, which aims to provide straightforward advice for parents of 8 to 12-year-old children who use the internet.

 Mrs Overend, who has called on the Stormont Executive to take action to protect children online, commented:

 “The launch of the NSPCC Share Aware campaign is both welcome and timely. I’m sure that across Northern Ireland many of our children and young people will have received a tablet, smartphone, games console or other internet enabled electronic device this Christmas. Whilst technology can do so much to help and entertain us, the threats that lurk online continue to be a worry for parents.

 “This campaign is designed to give parents advice about social networks and other sites that children are likely to visit, and to encourage them to feel confident in talking to their children about online safety and what they share when they socialise online. Research conducted by the National Children’s Bureau in Northern Ireland, shows that four out of five young people go online every day, many of them spending hours doing so. It is so important that they have the protection they need, and empowering parents is vital in doing that.

 “Peter Wanless, the CEO of the NSPCC has stated that keeping children safe online is the biggest child protection challenge of this generation, and I believe that our local politicians also have a role to play in this area. Developing a cross-departmental e-safety strategy for Northern Ireland is vital, and for more than two years I have lobbied the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to bring forward such a strategy. I will continue to press the Executive to act, as although there have been positive developments at a UK level to better protect children through the work of the industry and UK government, the need for local action remains.

 “To find out more about the campaign, which also features two animations to be shown on prime time TV and online, parents can visit the NSPCC Share Aware page: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/”