BRADFORD Grammar School has hosted an evening on the theme of cyber security.

The session was held with the Bradford District Cyber Problem Solvers from the West Yorkshire Police, a special team of police community support officers set up to educate people in the district about the dangers online, particularly targeting young people to try to prevent them becoming victims.

The talk gave parents an overview of the risks of the virtual world and those posed by sending explicit selfies by text (sexting), as well as the misuse of social media and the impact it can have on the victim. PCSOs Steve Atkinson and Izac Spencer (pictured) discussed what creates the virtual world, including online gaming, what we know about the internet and its dark side, online and social media laws and punishments, tips to help keep children safe while online, the applications used by children, sexting and online bullying and the social risks involved.

PCSO Atkinson said: “Cyber crime is a growing area and comes in many different forms, but the reality is that more than 90 per cent of it can be prevented. That's why it is so important for people to understand and be aware of online threats and situations where you could become a victim.

"I would urge anyone who has concerns about cyber crime to make contact with the team, who are providing a valuable resource to internet users of all ages across the district."

Jane Chapman, Assistant Head (Pastoral) said: "The session gave parents a really excellent insight into potential risks for their children, and themselves, in the cyber world, and it has equipped them to talk to their children, and help to understand and monitor what they are doing online in the future. I hope that other communities take this opportunity to further their knowledge on this important subject and I would like to extend a big thank you to the Bradford District Cyber Problem Solvers for doing a fantastic job in spreading the message to adults and young people.”