News

NSPCC emphasises internet safety

Published

8 years ago

August 16, 2016

AS THE SUMMER holidays begin for schoolchildren across Wales, NSPCC Cymru are highlighting the importance of staying safe online and warning parents of the dangers children can face.

A shocking 1,544 calls to Wales’ two ChildLine bases concerned online safety abuse issues in 2014/15, up from 1,111 in 2013/14.

Recent figures obtained by the NSPCC show that, last year alone, sex offenders used the internet to commit nearly 300 sex crimes against children in Wales.

The NSPCC has a wealth of advice to help parents talk to their children about the risks of cyber bullying, grooming, sexting and sharing information about themselves, and also to keep them updated on what their children are doing online.

Now available for the first time as a free app, the Net Aware parents’ guide lists 50 of the social media sites, apps and games most used by young people. The app, produced by the NSPCC in partnership with O2, is designed to help parents discuss with their children how to socialise safely online.

An NSPCC Cymru spokesman said: “In the long summer months, the online world can provide many benefits for children. It gives them instant access to a world of information, reduces boredom and provides a connection to friends and family.

“However, it is not without risks, and often parents can find it hard to keep track of what their children are doing online.

“With the reduction of the use of desktop computers and the use of portable devices like tablets and smart phones growing steadily, parents may not know what their children are exposed to because they can be in their bedrooms or out of the home.”

To help parents talk to their children about internet safety, the NSPCC has provided the following tips:

1. Take advantage of parental controls

To stop your children seeing harmful or unsuitable content online, you can set up parental controls in their device’s settings.

2. Establish some rules

Set some rules regarding which websites they can visit, how they share images and where and when they can go online.

3. Use websites and apps together

Exploring the same sites your children use can give you a better idea of what they are looking at and allow you to support them.

4. Keep the content age-appropriate

Don’t let your children pressure you into signing them up for sites they are too young for, and make sure the sites they are using are appropriate for their age. Age limits are there to protect your children and shouldn’t be ignored.

5. Be aware of who your child is talking to online. The naive nature of many children means they will often see strangers as ‘online friends’. It’s important that you let them know that people can lie about themselves online, and make sure you know who their online friends are.

6. Make sure they know how to use reporting tools and privacy settings. Remind your children to keep any personal information safe and ensure they know what to do if they see anything that upsets them. Also check the privacy settings of their online accounts, such as Facebook.

7. Have the conversation early and regularly. Start discussing online safety with your children at a young age and keep having the discussion as technology changes when they get older. Don’t overwhelm them with information; ‘little and often’ is key.

For more information about staying safe online, visit www.nspcc.org.uk

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.