YOUNG people have helped police spread the message about online safety as part of Safer Internet Day.

Students from The Westgate School, in Cippenham Lane, Slough, have starred in a short video giving advice, in their own words, aimed at young people about how and why it is so important to stay safe online, as part of Safer Internet Day which took place yesterday.

The video has been released and will be shared widely online with schools, youth organisations and charities.

Darren Nicholas, headteacher at the school, said: “In a world where young people have access to all kinds of technology an important role of the school is to ensure that the students have an excellent knowledge of the implications for using such devices and programmes, but also that they have the skills required to be safe when using them.

“When used correctly technology will certainly add value to people’s lives, however, without these safety barriers in place it can lead to young people putting themselves in very vulnerable positions.

"We want to ensure that this never happens. We therefore deeply value our collaboration with Thames Valley Police on online safety.”

Safer Internet Day is an annual event co-ordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre, a partnership of three major internet safety charities.

This year’s slogan is ‘play your part for a better internet’.