Play virtual / Live real Play virtual / Live real Play virtual / Live real Play virtual / Live real Play virtual / Live real Play virtual / Live real
The Breck Foundation recommends two routes for reporting:
• If a child is being approached in a way that is of concern, you or that child can report using CEOP – Child Exploitation Online Protection command
www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/ anonymously, if wanted.
• Children and teenagers up to 18 can also call Childline on 0800 1111 or contact them at
www.childline.org.uk/get- support – again anonymously, if wanted.
E is for … Educate
It is estimated that there are currently 2 billion people worldwide who play online games and half of them are adults. The children taking part need education on keeping safe.
There are some chilling statistics, with UK police estimating 100,000 offenders are online in the UK and one in four children are being approached at some point.
“We are not against gaming,” says Lorin, “but we want young people to learn how to protect themselves and each other. It was Breck’s passion – gaming and computing – it was going to be his career choice. He made friends through gaming, he bonded with his friends from school and ... Unfortunately, his predator was introduced by a friend.”
© CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – WINT ER 2018
E is also for … Empower to take charge
Everyone should be able to recognise when something isn’t right and act. Don’t just turn a blind eye. The Breck Foundation encourages a community response. “There are times when a person is being groomed but won’t recognise it. It’s not just about them – this is a group effort – parents, schools, police, social workers. Anyone who has anything to do with a child, if they hear something, notice something, recognise that and act on it. If someone had spoken up more vociferously on Breck’s behalf, he might still be here today.”
C is for … Communicate
It is crucial for everyone to communicate their concerns; especially, young people should not keep it to themselves when something has happened to them or someone they know. Lorin gives an example: “If you have shared indecent images and maybe are being blackmailed, the perpetrators are the ones that will be in trouble, not you. Talk about it and report it rather than trying to cover it up.”
K is for ... Keep safe
The most important reminder from The Breck Foundation is that everyone online is a stranger, so it is critical to keep online relationships separate. The Breck Foundation’s motto is Play virtual/Live real. Lorin advises, “Have a great time online, gaming, socialising and enjoying yourself. But keep those
www. c i t y s e cu r i t ymag a z i n e . com
relationships separate. Never meet up in a private place.”
Remember Breck
There are many reasons for a predator to want to groom someone online: sexual exploitation, radicalisation, gang-related crime, such as drug dealing.
In response, The Breck Foundation will continue its work to reach as many people as possible. Lorin says, “I know if I went to one of my conferences or school visits and if I heard some of this advice, Breck would be here. I would have reported what was happening to CEOP; I would have called the police back. Most importantly, I would have spoken to Breck about this other child and his mistakes.”
Everyone involved with young people and children can remember the BRECK Rules and better understand how to keep safe online, thanks to Lorin LaFave and The Breck Foundation.
Getting Involved
If you would like to know more about The Breck Foundation, make a donation or discuss ongoing sponsorship of their work, please visit
www.breckfoundation.org
Andrea Berkoff Editor City Security magazine
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