‘Don’t do things online that you wouldn’t in public – that’s the message from police on Safer Internet Day.

The annual global campaign – supported by hundreds of organisations across the UK – helps to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

Herts, along with other police forces across the country, has been issuing messages via social media informing people how to stay safe online and signposting them to websites which offer further help and advice.

Officers in the county will also be conducting activities, including school visits, to help provide advice and encourage safe use of the internet by young people.

Assistant Chief Con Mick Ball said: “People start using the internet from a very young age these days and can become very comfortable using different sites. In some cases they can become overconfident and may not understand or appreciate the risks that can come with revealing too much information or making friends with strangers online.

“Internet Safety Day is an opportunity to remind everyone, but especially younger people that the internet is a safe environment when used with caution. Generally we advise people not to do things online that they wouldn’t do in public. In many ways it is the same thing but people lose their inhibitions online and assume a level of anonymity that may be inaccurate.”

For more information about staying safe online visit www.herts.police.uk/advice/young_people/chatright_-_internet_safety.aspx.

Other websites with advice include www.ceop.police.uk and www.getsafeonline.org.