This is a message to all Watch members and Key Individuals from Harborough Police.
Below you will see the content of an email which has been brought to the attention of our Child Protection Units which details a method that young people are using to try to prevent their parents or guardians from knowing what they are talking about online. The main concern for the Police is that some parents may be unaware of this method and as such they may miss a dangerous situation developing and thus be unable to take preventative action to protect their child online.
Please pass this message onto as many parents as possible – your help is truly appreciated.
"Hey people!
you all know how it feels when you're talking to some one online,and your mum is standing right behind you, reading every word that appears on the screen.
Then, of course, the person swears or talks about how much they love you,or they're your crush or something and your mum reads it and tells you to get offline that instant and not talk to that person anymore.
Well, what can we do about that?
To solve this problem,we have now started the 'code 9' system.
In code 9, you simply type the number '9' when your parent or sibling is watching over your shoulder as you type.
The person you're talking to will know what you're talking about,and start a conversation on homework or something.
When your parent or sibling leaves,type '99' to let the person know that they are gone, so you can begin a normal conversation again.
Please send this to everyone you know so that code 9 can go into effect.
PLEASE: Copy and paste"
Henry Whatley (7729)
CIC
Harborough Police
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Leicestershire Constabulary is keen to hear your views about policing in your area. Please take a moment to visit www.leics.police.uk/haveyoursay and complete our on-line survey.
