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Man charged in Co Derry over attempted sexual communication with child

PSNI detective chief inspector urges parents to check privacy, location and parental controls on devices a child uses, and direct messages and chat functions on apps

Det Chief Insp Kerry Brennan of the PSNI said: 'Even for older children, a new device means new corners of the digital landscape to explore – and unfortunately, new risks to be aware of.' Photograph: iStock

Wed Dec 28 2022 - 15:30

Detectives have charged a man in Co Derry with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child.

The 28-year-old will appear in Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on January 23rd next.

Det Chief Insp Kerry Brennan of the PSNI said: “Many children and young people will receive new devices and computer games for Christmas, but we’re asking parents: Do you know what your child is doing online or most importantly, who they are talking to?”

For some children, he said, it would be the first time they had owned a device connecting them to the online world.

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“Even for older children, a new device means new corners of the digital landscape to explore – and unfortunately, new risks to be aware of.

“Along with our partners at the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, we have put together some key tips on how to make sure your child enjoys the internet safely.

“These tips include: checking the privacy, location and parental controls on devices that the child uses; checking the direct messages and chat functions on apps; using parental controls; and having open conversations with your child about what they are doing online.” – PA

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