By Libby Hymas

Cyber safety lessons are vital for the younger generations.

With the increasing availability of technology, people need to learn the seriousness of cyberbullying and security.

Online, people can be cruel and selfish, hiding behind their screens. Approximately 35 per cent of students aged 11-14 have experienced cyber-bullying or crime in their lifetimes and this needs to stop.

Bullying is not the only issue with cyber safety; harassment, hacking, scams and identity theft are real and everpresent dangers.

The younger generations really need to be educated on this matter. My school has frequent police talks, which try to help students understand what can happen on the internet.

I believe that they work; as a result, I, personally, take more care online. To try to reduce the risks of cybercrime in Dorset, the police have set a day for cyber education.

Safer Internet Day is a day where parents and young people learn how to enjoy using the internet safely. Any parent would hate to see their child hurt by cybercrime.

Unfortunately, not many understand it themselves and so Safer Internet Day will be very helpful.

Workshops have been set up for young people to take part in challenges which encourage them to ‘Be the change: Unite for a better internet’.

Young people must try to complete challenges such as online crosswords and avoiding inappropriate websites.

I completely agree with Safer Internet Day and I hope that others do too.