Think before you post – this is the message from South Yorkshire Police which is supporting Safer Internet Day 2010 taking place tomorrow, 9 February, across the UK.

The Internet provides an opportunity for people to socialise with each other through email, social networking sites and instant messenger. From a very early age, children are becoming computer-savvy and surfing the web and use mobile phones. Research carried out in 2009 by Ofcom showed that 78 per cent of five to seven-year-olds are now using the Internet.

Safer Internet Day is organised by INSAFE and supported by Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people.

People should remember when using the Internet and mobile phones: what personal information you are posting online about yourself, who can see what you are sending in messages, what photos and videos you are uploading to share with others, the content of messages you are sending and the comments you leave for others to see.

Inspector Gwyn Thomas from SYP’s Community Safety Department said: “The Internet is somewhere children mix with others and share information about their lives. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for schools and organisations working with children and young people to get involved and to help raise awareness of how to keep them safe whilst having fun online.”

For further information about how to surf the net safely and Safer Internet Day log onto: www.thinkuknow.co.uk or call Insp Gwyn Thomas on 0114 219 7014.