Drop-in sessions to help parents keep children safe online
Parents and guardians are being invited to speak directly with specialist officers about keeping children safe online at a series of free drop-in sessions across Cumberland this February half term.
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police’s Child Centred Policing Team, who regularly visit schools to talk to young people about issues including online safety, have identified a gap in support for parents and carers.
These new sessions aim to give adults the chance to ask questions, get practical advice and build confidence in how to protect children in the digital world.
The drop-ins will take place at Family Hubs across the area on the following dates and times:
Whitehaven Family Hub – Tuesday 17 February, 9am to 3pm
PC Hunton will deliver two 30-minute presentations with Q&A sessions. Due to limited spaces, pre-booking is required for these talks: 10am session – Online Safety Awareness (Eventbrite)
1pm session – Online Safety Awareness (Eventbrite)
No booking is required for general drop-in conversations with officers around these times.
Maryport Family Hub – Tuesday 17 February, 12pm to 5pm
PC Moffat will run two sessions at 1pm and 3pm and will be available before and after for informal drop-ins.
Longtown Family Hub – Tuesday 17 February, 9.30am to 12pm
Chances Family Hub, Morton – Wednesday 18 February, 3pm to 5pm
Speaking about the initiative, PC Neil Hunton from the Child Centred Policing Team said:
“This is a great opportunity for parents, guardians and members of the community to speak to us and learn more about online safety.
“We regularly hold sessions in schools with young people, but it’s important parents are aware of the risks online.
“Regularly speaking to your child about their online activity, such as you would in asking them how their school day had gone, is a positive way of being aware of what they are doing online and may encourage them to raise any concerns with you directly.
“If you unfortunately can’t make one of our sessions visit our website for support and advice on how you can help keep children safe online.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, added:
“As parents and guardians, all we want is to keep our children safe from harm.
“Nowadays, our children are much more tech savvy than many of us, but they are still incredibly trusting and naïve to the dangers that go on online.
“Technology brings the world into your child’s room, often when they are unsupervised. There is a lot of benefit to this, but also, as in life, potential danger. Understanding how to spot the signs of criminals online and having set rules for our children when it comes to online behaviour is one way to keep them as safe as possible.
“I would highly encourage parents, guardians or anyone that works closely with young people to join one of these sessions.
“Let’s work together to keep our young ones safe.”