Improving online safety for children has been highlighted as a top priority by NSPCC Cymru / Wales’ new fundraising chairman.
Welsh businessman Alan Peterson stressed the complex threats posed to children by social media as he took up his new post.
He replaces Sir Stanley Thomas, who is standing down after 10 years as Appeal Board Chair for the charity in Wales. Sir Stanley has raised ten million pounds over the last decade and first became involved with the charity in 1999.
Passionate about preventing child abuse at all costs, NSPCC Cymru / Wales has thanked him for his efforts in fighting for every childhood.
Online abuse and safety issues accounted for 1,544 calls to Wales’ two ChildLine bases in 2014/15, up from 1,111 in 2013/14.
Recent figures obtained by the NSPCC show the internet was used as a gateway by offenders to commit nearly 300 sex crimes against children in Wales last year.
New Appeal Board Chair, Alan Peterson, has committed to raising three million pounds over the next three years.
He said: “As a family we’ve had a long history of supporting the NSPCC and there’s never been a better time to become involved.
“With society and technology developing at such a fast pace, children are exposed to ever more complex threats coming from social media. It’s crucial that we work as hard as we can to raise funds for this important issue – and the fight for every childhood in Wales.
“I am very proud to take over the role of chairman from Sir Stanley and concentrate on where we can best put our services to work in conjunction with the three centres in Wales, the NSPCC Schools Service and ChildLine.
“I am hoping to encourage both a large amount of individuals and corporate organisations to join me on my three year journey to support the NSPCC and make all of Wales a safer place for children.”
Outgoing Appeal Board Chair, Sir Stanley Thomas, said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as fundraising chair for the NSPCC and I am delighted that Alan has agreed to take on the role for the next three years.
“I know he will help to lead the way in raising the funds needed to protect children from abuse in Wales.”
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