Default post

Clare Gardaí are appealing to parents to be involved in their child’s online life following a reported “traumatic” incident over Christmas week for one family in the county.

During Christmas week a report was received from a parent that her teenage son, who believed that he was speaking to a female on his Facebook account, sent explicit pictures of himself to this person.

Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Tríona Brooks stated, “Shortly after this a demand was made for a substantial amount of money or else the pictures would be shared. No money was given over and the link was shared with some of his friends but fortunately the link could not be opened. This was very upsetting and traumatic for the parent and teenager”.

Sergeant Brooks added, “Children are spending a lot more time on-line at the moment. It’s no harm to have a conversation with your child about the importance of their safety when online. Children need to understand that they must not share any personal information online. It is vital that parents have that all important conversation with their children”.

Risks associated with online activity for younger persons as identified by Gardaí include loss of privacy – sharing information in public that should be kept private, inappropriate content – adult material violence dangerous dares or challenges, cyberbullying – bullying in the form of abusive and threatening texts or emails, messages on social media and chat rooms or the posting of photos, online grooming – individuals targeting children through sexual coercion or extortion.

Brooks advised, “The most important thing is to communicate with your children about what they are doing online. Familiarise yourself with the apps and websites they are using. Learning about the internet is the most effective way for you to protect your child from online dangers. Be involved in your child’s online life, set rules and limits for internet use and keep the lines of communication open with your child and make sure your child can come to you if anything happens online that upsets, worries or scares them”.

Related News

leonora carey 2
Ballot Beats: Endorsements would see Carey do handsomely if running in suburban leafy Dublin
joe cooney 6
Cooney's 'Talk to Joe' campaign gathering momentum
cows livestock 1
Farmers & livestock terrorised as illegal hunting persists across North Clare
electoral chair debate 21-11-24 panel 2
The Electoral Chair: Election Debate part two
Latest News
wolfe tones v kilrush shamrocks 13-10-24 niall fitzgerald 2
One point loss ends Wolfe Tones' quest for Munster honours
electoral chair debate 21-11-24 panel 2
The Electoral Chair: Election Debate part two
electoral chair debate 21-11-24 panel 1
The Electoral Chair Election Debate part one
mid west hospital campaign 21-05-22 13 hilary tonge
'Sinn Féin were extremely misogynistic towards women in Clare' claims former member
kevin hassett moneypoint 2
Hassett hoping to close 'Government's Pandora Box on immigration'
Premium
mid west hospital campaign 21-05-22 13 hilary tonge
'Sinn Féin were extremely misogynistic towards women in Clare' claims former member
kevin hassett moneypoint 2
Hassett hoping to close 'Government's Pandora Box on immigration'
éire óg v kilmurry ibrickane 27-10-24 manus doherty 1
Elusive Munster senior final eludes Éire Óg for third time in four years
tom nolan cappa 3
Nolan back in the ring to fight once more against downgrading of Ennis Hospital
cathal crowe ennis library 1
Clare's elected TDs need to be ready for 'battle of all battles' on Ennis Hospital - Crowe

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top