Police target youth with new website (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Police target youth with new website

A NEW website specifically designed for children and young people has been created by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The site, named Kids Aware, is accessed via the force's main website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk/kids_aware.

Packed with information on issues such as Stranger Danger, internet safety, Playsafe, bullying and mobile phone safety, the site also has links to other helpful websites.

There is also a list of questions and answers on the Constabulary and policing in the county to keep young people informed about the force and how to join.

Ursula Anderson, the internet development co-ordinator for Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "The website has been designed to be interesting and fun for younger people. It's got cartoons on it and is very easy to understand.

"There are a lot of important messages we need to get across to younger people as, sadly, they do sometimes become the victims of crime.

"We don't aim to frighten young people as statistically Gloucestershire is still a very safe place to live, but clearly we need to inform young people of steps they can take to make them feel safer. This is particularly pertinent now that the school holidays are almost upon us."

She added that there was a feedback section and they hoped younger residents would let them know what they thought.

The site also links in to the Virtual Global Taskforce website, which is aimed at educating and informing parents and children on how to stay safe online.