GMP teams up with Manchester United Foundation to keep youngsters safe online

Staff and officers from our Cyber Crime Unit are hosting an internet safety day for young people.

The event is being held at Hotel Football next to Old Trafford stadium. Participants from Manchester United Foundation’s Street Reds project will be taking part in the event, which will focus on keeping children and teenagers safe online. Street Reds provides free football and alternative activities for 8-18 year olds across all boroughs of Greater Manchester.

Around 60 youngsters are expected to attend on 18 February for a series of interactive activities that will tackle online dangers and how to stay safe on the internet.

Sophie Newburn, a Cyber Protect Officer for GMP, said: “My role is to provide basic cyber security and online safety advice to people in our communities to help protect them from becoming victims of cyber crime.

"GMP provides cyber awareness advice and information, whilst keeping people up to date with the latest cyber threats.

"I attend public events like this one, supported by Manchester United Foundation, to provide presentations alongside businesses, charities and community groups, highlighting key cyber protect messages.

"We also work closely with victims of cyber crime to offer support and to prevent them from becoming victims in the future.

"Fraud and cyber crime accounts for around 40% of all recorded crime in the UK and statistics show that 50% all of fraud and cyber crime is preventable for those armed with the right knowledge.

“Scams include phishing, where criminals send malicious emails/text messages containing dodgy links to trick people into parting with their personal or financial information.

“Criminals often make these messages appear like they are from credible sources, like a bank.”

GMP Cyber Crime Unit will be running its Cyber Escape Room activity and there will also be workshops from Lancaster University, Cyber First, and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Sophie will also be running several events with schools throughout February as part of Safer Internet Day.

She added: “Children these days tend to be extremely tech savvy, and this can be useful.

"However, it is important that children are made aware of, and protected from the possible dangers online.

"I work closely with our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team and Digital Forensics Investigation Unit to ensure that we are up to date with the most recent developments in online crime and we can then deliver the most accurate and relevant information.

"The online world can be daunting for some, so I deliver information in a way that is easy for all to understand and doesn’t require a high level of technical knowledge.

"The main focus of Cyber Protect is education – the more people we tell about basic cyber security, the more those people implement good cyber hygiene into their online world and share that knowledge.”

Seth Wyatt, Manchester United Foundation Community Engagement Coordinator, said: “This session will make a great difference to young people who attend our Street Reds community football sessions. As part of these sessions, young people aged 8-18 can access free football and alternative activities, so an event like this one is important to educate our participants about internet safety and increasing their awareness of potential threats they face online.

“Working alongside external organisations plays an important role in our delivery, adding value through enrichment activities that help to educate, support and protect young people across Greater Manchester.”

 Top tips for staying safe on the internet

1. Create a separate password for your email: Weak passwords can be cracked in seconds. The longer and more unusual your password is, the harder it is to crack.
2. Create a strong password using three random words: Create a password that will be strong enough to keep the criminals out, but easy enough for you to remember. Do not use words that can be guessed like your pet’s name or Favourite football team.
3. Save your passwords into your browser: A password manager (or a web browser) can store all your passwords securely, so you don’t have to worry about remembering them.
4. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): Set up two-step verification on all your important accounts, even ones that you've protected with strong passwords.
5. Update your devices: Out-of-date software, apps, and operating systems contain weaknesses, making them easier to hack. 

There is more information on the GMP website and at www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home

What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day on February 11, 2025, is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. 

Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year it will be focusing on the issue of scams online and how young people can protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.

Find out more at https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2025