Schoolgirl Death Sparks Cyber Security Calls

A coroner is going write to the government over the case of a bullied Cornish schoolgirl who jumped to her death from a bridge.

An inquest has ruled Simone Grice from Illogan took her own life.

The coroner was told the 15 year old had become involved with two older men she met online.

Her computer was supplied as part of an e-learning programme, but it was not set up to block social networking sites like Facebook.

Since Simone's death officials have brought in so-called "cyber-nanny" software.

Dr Emma Carlyon wants ministers to do the same across the UK.

Cornwall Council released this statement:
Cornwall Council would like to extend its condolences to the young person’s parents, siblings and extended family for their loss.  Professionals who had worked with the young person expressed their shock following her death and their sympathy to her family.
Following the young person’s death in 2009, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Safeguarding Children Board carried out a serious case review to identify any lessons to be learned by the agencies.  Staff from a number of Council services were involved with the young person and her family and all these services participated fully within the serious case review process.
The review identified the need for agencies and professionals to share information and agree access to services.  It also highlighted the need for professionals to follow agreed procedures where there are disagreements.  The review was completed by the end of 2009 and the learning shared with family members and agencies across Cornwall.
One of the issues raised in the inquest related to the young person’s use of a computer.  The computer was supplied, maintained and monitored by Notschool.net, a Government supported national programme which provides an online learning community for young people aged 14-17 who have either been outside or unable to engage in traditional education provision.  Children are referred to Notschool.net from a range of organisations, including local councils, Pupil Referral Units, Schools, Connexions, Youth Offending Teams, CAMHS.
Cornwall Council commissions places for up to 30 young people from Plymouth Notschool.net.  All computer equipment is supplied to the young people by Notschool.net as part of this service.   Notschool.net is responsible for monitoring the use of the computer and the progress being made by the pupils.  This is done through a combination of remote monitoring of the use of the computer by Notschool.net staff and regular contact with Notschool.net mentors who work with individual young people.  The Council’s Head of Additional Educational Provision then meets fortnightly with the Head of Plymouth Notschool.net to discuss the progress of all the young people on the programme.  

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