27/01/2003
Concern over paedophiles’ picture messaging mobile phones
SDLP assembly member Patricia Lewsley has expressed concerns that new mobile phone technology would allow paedophiles to take pictures of children and download them over the internet.
The Lagan Valley MLA said today that parents should be aware that there were reports in England of paedophiles bringing these phones into leisure centres to take pictures of children.
"There is a need for parents to be aware of the dangers that are out there. I would also appeal to staff that work in leisure centres and swimming pools to be vigilant," she said.
"It is appalling and frightening that we need to think about these issues but the reality is that we must all be aware of the dangers in order to protect our children."
The warning comes at the end of month when the danger of paedophiles on the internet has garnered mass media attention.
On January 6, the government launched a £1 million advertising campaign to encourage parents designed to make sure their children understand the dangers of communicating with strangers online and to address the issue of 'grooming' in internet chatrooms.
At the time, Home Office Minister Hilary Benn said: "We want to encourage parents to help their children protect themselves so they can surf safely. Parents can play a role in making their children aware that strangers on the Internet may not always be who they say they are. The messages to children are clear; do not give out personal contact details online, and never meet up with someone you have met online unless accompanied by an adult."
An investigation into child porn internet sites launched on December 17 has met with enormous success. Operation Ore, a nationwide initiative between state agencies and the FBI in the US, has unearthed details on 250,000 suspected paedophiles and the police admit they have been swamped with information.
One senior Metropolitan police officer said today that so far only 10% of the leads had been followed up and the investigation is expected to last for several months.
As part of Operation Ore The Who's Pete Townshend was arrested in London after he admitted to giving his credit card details to a child porn site. He was bailed on January 14.
(GMcG)
The Lagan Valley MLA said today that parents should be aware that there were reports in England of paedophiles bringing these phones into leisure centres to take pictures of children.
"There is a need for parents to be aware of the dangers that are out there. I would also appeal to staff that work in leisure centres and swimming pools to be vigilant," she said.
"It is appalling and frightening that we need to think about these issues but the reality is that we must all be aware of the dangers in order to protect our children."
The warning comes at the end of month when the danger of paedophiles on the internet has garnered mass media attention.
On January 6, the government launched a £1 million advertising campaign to encourage parents designed to make sure their children understand the dangers of communicating with strangers online and to address the issue of 'grooming' in internet chatrooms.
At the time, Home Office Minister Hilary Benn said: "We want to encourage parents to help their children protect themselves so they can surf safely. Parents can play a role in making their children aware that strangers on the Internet may not always be who they say they are. The messages to children are clear; do not give out personal contact details online, and never meet up with someone you have met online unless accompanied by an adult."
An investigation into child porn internet sites launched on December 17 has met with enormous success. Operation Ore, a nationwide initiative between state agencies and the FBI in the US, has unearthed details on 250,000 suspected paedophiles and the police admit they have been swamped with information.
One senior Metropolitan police officer said today that so far only 10% of the leads had been followed up and the investigation is expected to last for several months.
As part of Operation Ore The Who's Pete Townshend was arrested in London after he admitted to giving his credit card details to a child porn site. He was bailed on January 14.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2024
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
14 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
17 January 2024
4 Corners Festival Bringing Young People Together Through Sports
This year's 4 Corners Festival is set to bring young people from local communities across Belfast together through the medium of sport. Now in its 12th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.
4 Corners Festival Bringing Young People Together Through Sports
This year's 4 Corners Festival is set to bring young people from local communities across Belfast together through the medium of sport. Now in its 12th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.
05 March 2024
£1m Allocated To Support Students Facing Financial Hardship
A fund of £1 million has been established to support students facing financial hardship as a result of the increase costs of living, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced.
£1m Allocated To Support Students Facing Financial Hardship
A fund of £1 million has been established to support students facing financial hardship as a result of the increase costs of living, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced.
24 January 2024
Belfast City Airport Donates Over £17,000 To AWARE NI
Belfast City Airport has supported AWARE NI with donations totalling £17,774 over a two-year official Charity Partnership.
Belfast City Airport Donates Over £17,000 To AWARE NI
Belfast City Airport has supported AWARE NI with donations totalling £17,774 over a two-year official Charity Partnership.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.