A NEW facility designed to teach youngsters about the potential dangers they face online has launched in Bournemouth.

The IT safety education centre at LV= Streetwise opened after receiving funding of more than £10,000 from Talbot Village Trust, a registered charity which supports causes in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, East Dorset and Purbeck.

Dorset school children visiting the centre will be provided with internet safety education and training. LV= Streetwise has also launched cyber safety sessions aimed at parents in partnership with Dorset Police. Titled ‘Keeping your children safe’, the sessions demonstrate how to protect children and stay safe on the internet.

Christopher Lees, chair of the Talbot Village Trust, said the IT suite was a “tremendous facility”.

“We’ve been so pleased to support the project, which has seen thousands of children pass through its programme and learn about the dangers and risks present in life in a ‘real-world’ environment.”

He added: “In the modern world, we have seen the exponential growth and rise of the internet, which, although largely a contributor of great things, can also pose dangers to children in the comfort and security of their own homes.”

LV= Streetwise, which is based at West Howe, aims to reduce the chance of accidents happening by teaching children about the potential dangers in the everyday world around them in a safe and controlled life-sized village scenario.

Diana Newbury, fundraiser at LV= Streetwise, said: “We are extremely grateful for the generous donation of £10,000 and the continued support of the Talbot Village Trust.

“Adults need to be aware of the ways in which they can protect the children in their care. We are delighted to be able to offer this training in our wonderful new facility.”

The IT safety education centre is also set to launch sessions for businesses looking at cyber-crime and attacks.

Internet safety sessions at the centre will be a regular feature and further details can be obtained by calling 01202 591330.