FALMOUTH SCHOOL CHILDREN LEARN HOW TO COMBAT INTERNET THREAT

More and more children across Cornwall and the region are being targeted by bullies who use the internet and mobile phones to abuse their victims - but thanks to new technology in Falmouth, local children are learning how to fight back.

On a visit to St Mary's Primary School in Falmouth this week, Terrye Teverson, Lib Dem PPC for Truro and Falmouth, was impressed to see a focus on this type of life skills training for younger children.

Thanks to funding from the Belling Family, famous for making ovens, the school has been able to install a suite of hi-tech computers complete with specialist software to help keep children safe when they use the internet.

Terrye said, "The computer program being used by the children teaches them how to respond to questions on the internet. We have all heard about unscrupulous adults grooming young children online - well St Mary's children are being shown how to recognise and combat these kind of questions."

Jacqueline Scarborough, St Mary's Head Teacher, showed Mrs Teverson around the school and explained how St Mary's is one of the first to focus on this type of internet training.

"The software and the children's response to it was really quite impressive - and certainly a change from my schooldays," Mrs Teverson added.

"The pupils were shown interactive questions and answers on how to deal with bullying on the internet. This allows the children to know what is OK and what should be reported to parents and the school. The children were so engaged and interested in their work - it was really great to see."

Grassroots community work is also evident in the school where local police officer PC. Andy Filkins spends up to an hour each week reading with the children.

Terrye said, "Seeing the local community police officer spending time listening to children read helps to get to know the children and earn their respect. These children will grow up knowing the police are there as a positive influence in their lives and be able to talk to them

in times of difficulty in the future. This type of grassroots community based policing is truly heartening to see."

The children were also being encouraged to help children in poorer areas of the world. A stack of Christmas wrapped shoe boxes were already filled with toys ready to give some joy to children less fortunate.

"In a world that is getting evermore tightly linked through the internet, travel and trade, it is hugely important that our children learn to be responsible global citizens," Mrs Teverson said.

"Respecting others and having them respect you is one of the most important things you can learn in life. I am extremely proud that children in Cornish Schools are being taught these skills."