Coronavirus: Parents should download this App to tackle lockdown surge in online predators, says ex PSNI officer Jim Gamble

A former senior PSNI officer has urged parents to download a special App to their smartphone to help thwart a surge in online predators during the lockdown.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 13th Apr 2020, 18:05 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2020, 19:35 BST

Jim Gamble of safeguarding organisation Ineqe says the App, rolled out in association with the Department of Education, will teach parents how to protect their children.

“It will not only help them understand the Apps their children use but help them address issues related to image sharing  and understanding the risks from others online,” he said.

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“Every parent or carer should take them time to download and use this App. Having it on the phone in their pocket will mean that when an existing threat increases or a new one emerges they’ll get the message.”

Jim Gamble of Ineqe has given this QR code to help parents download the Safer Schools app. Simply scan it with your mobile phone to download the app. It helps parents protect children from online predators during the Coroavirus lockdown.Jim Gamble of Ineqe has given this QR code to help parents download the Safer Schools app. Simply scan it with your mobile phone to download the app. It helps parents protect children from online predators during the Coroavirus lockdown.
Jim Gamble of Ineqe has given this QR code to help parents download the Safer Schools app. Simply scan it with your mobile phone to download the app. It helps parents protect children from online predators during the Coroavirus lockdown.

Mr Gamble says that since the lockdown live streaming by children aged seven to 17-year-olds has increased by 17%.

And whilst more people, young and old, are going online using Apps like Zoom and HouseParty to maintain digital connections with family and friends, he warns that it is really important that the opportunities the technology brings are balanced against the risks the young and vulnerable are likely to face.

“Children will be spending more time online than ever before. They may be tempted to join groups, share intimate images and participate in livestreaming activity as they attempt to build their own online audience.  These audiences will undoubtedly include their real friends, friends of their friends who they don’t really know and complete strangers.”

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He notes that findings from a recent survey of children aged 7-17 in Northern Ireland show that online;-

• One in three have had to block someone

• A tenth have been scared by someone’s behaviours

• Almost 72% have a camera enabled device in their bedroom which could pose a serious risk.

• One in ten speak to people online or when live-streaming who they don’t know

• One in five would like to make it big as a livestreamer

• One in five feel they have formed strong bonds online with individuals they have never met in person.

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Mr Gamble added: “I don’t want to scaremonger or create the impression there is a predator waiting in every virtual space, but the current reality is unprecedented.

“We can’t ignore the fact that sex offenders are also sitting at home and most will access the internet. Only by educating and empowering young people, can we begin to protect them from harm. In order to do that we need to educate ourselves. That is why the DENI safer Schools App is so important”.

The best way to see the App is via (www.ineqe.com/safer-schools-ni). There is a short video which explains how the App can be used. To download it go to App store, search ‘Our safer schools’ and download the App there. When you open it, click the QR code button and scan this QR barcode in the advert attached to this story to go straight in. This gives access to the teacher’s version of the app.

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