VALE MP Alun Cairns is calling on businesses and residents alike to get involved with Safer Internet Day 2014 which takes place on February 11. 

The local MP is vice chairman of the Parliamentary ICT forum and has worked with technology companies and Ministers to help deliver changes. These changes and filtering options now need to be communicated to the public and Mr Cairns is keen to see that parents in Barry and the Vale are fully informed. 

Alun explains: "There has been much coverage in the media of late concerning the dangers of unrestrictive internet access for children within the United Kingdom dangers such as online violence, pornography and cyber bullying and recently I took part in a House of Commons debate entitled Protecting Children Online and personally met with the Prime Minister to discuss my concerns.

"Like you, I share these concerns and would like to bring to your attention a joint initiative that is being run by Childnet International, the South West Grid for Learning, and the Internet Watch Foundation.

"The UK Safer Internet Day takes place on February 11, and aims to increase awareness of the dangers of unrestrictive/unsupervised internet access, and educated children on how to stay safe whilst on the internet.

"This is an initiative that I strongly believe in and would be looking to actively engage with schools to raise awareness of this campaign.

If you and your school are interested in taking part in the UK Safer Internet Day, or would like further information about the dangers that can arise from children accessing the internet unsupervised, please don't hesitate to contact me at alun.cairns.mp@parliament.uk."