WEST Devon Police have been visiting several schools in the area to address issues relating to communication offences, sexting and online safety.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from Tavistock and Okehampton have been visiting both primary and secondary schools as part of a scheme to advise and educate young people.

This week, PCSO Kevin Williams visited Tavistock College to educate youngsters that it is a criminal offence to send a message that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character over a public electronic communications network.

He told students that cyber bullying, sexting as well as posting images and messages on social media that targeted someone else were potential offences.

‘It’s important for young people to hear from a professional, with first-hand knowledge, of how these incidents and crimes can affect the lives of both victims and offenders,’ said PSCO Williams.

‘Communications offences vary, they can be in the form of an abusive text message, indecent picture or abusive Facebook message or comment. Even liking an abusive comment can be seen as a potential offence as this says you agree with that persons views.’

‘We aim to educate students about potential offences as it’s so easy for youngsters to not realise they are doing something wrong online. It’s about highlighting the risks these youngsters are putting themselves in.’

‘Youngsters grow up in this technical world, where a lot of what is said online wouldn’t be said to someone’s face. It’s important to educate children that there is someone on the end of a cyber post.’

He said that abusive messages and social media posts can have detrimental effects for both victims and offenders.

PCSO Williams also visited Bere Alston Primary School to educate the children on crime and anti social behaviour, online safety and the role of the police in the community.

He said that it was important to educate younger children about the role of the police as well as potential online dangers.

The PCSOs give talks to pupils aged between five and 18, they cater the talks to the age of the students and the needs of the school by having discussions with its headteacher.

The PSCOs are also on hand to run advice and information sessions for parents or guardians.

PCSO Williams said: ‘We aim to encourage parents to have an open dialogue with their children. It’s important to make sure your children are using computers and the internet safely. We would advise parents to let their children use computers, laptops and ipads in a safe environment where they can be supervised.’