YOUNG people across Merseyside are being urged to think about the dangers of not using the internet responsibly as part of a global campaign to make going online safer.

Safer Internet Day is being celebrated in more than a hundred countries and here in the UK by police forces, schools, youth charities, councils and media organisations.

Its aim is to promote safe, responsible and positive use of the internet and social media by children and young people.

Around a third of 11 to 16-year-olds say they have experienced mean or unpleasant behaviour directed towards them online in the past year but around 75 per cent also believe their own individual actions can help make the Internet a better place to socialise and learn.

Merseyside Police are working with organisations such as Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and Titan, the regional organised crime unit to tackle online criminality such as grooming, the sharing of indecent images, hacking and fraud.

Detectives want to help people stop becoming victims of these crimes in the first place by educating children, teenagers and adults about how to safe whenever they are online.

Detective Superintendent Richie Carr said websites such as www.thinkuknow.co.uk and www.internetmatters.org were great places to get some pointers.

He said: "Everyone uses the Internet these days and most of us use it for far more things than we realise.

"Many of us are logged on all day on our mobile phone or work computer and we do anything from checking our bank balance to arranging to go out with friends to sharing our holiday snaps.

"But how many of us always do these things securely so things like our bank details, personal photos and information about ourselves stay that way?

"Safer Internet Day is all about giving people the know-how and confidence to both stay safe online and behave more responsibly online too.

"The ThinkUKnow website has tips for children of all ages as well as parents, teachers and other adults who want to get clued up.

"There is also advice on there about how to report something if you become uncomfortable or suspicious of someone else's behaviour online.

"You can also take a quiz at saferinternetday.org.uk to see what you would do if you had concerns about a friend’s privacy settings, a fake profile, a suspicious friend request, or online bullying.

"If we all take just a minute or two out of our day to learn a little more about this issue we can all help make the Internet a safer and more pleasant place to socialise and share our experiences with others."

For links to other participating organisations visit www.merseyside.police.uk/advice-and-protection/safety-online/