Horrified by attack on PC Barney, a true gent Shining example of good citizenship
I WAS horrified to read about the appalling racist attack on local beat bobby PC Barnes.
Barney, as he is known in the area, has done so much for the community in Hillfields and does not deserve to be treated in this way.
Hillfields is a diverse and enriched area where many live in true harmony. But the vile racist rantings of the female offender strikes at the heart of the Hillfields community.
Thankfully Barney is a true gentleman and he will rise above this vile racist attack.
Sadly, the lady in question only got ten month in prison, which is not sending out the right message. Racist individuals need to know that Coventry does not and will not tolerate racism. Phyllis N Bembridge Ball Hill HAVING read the Telegraph on July 19, I was appalled by the attack on a vulnerable man, and Warren Smith to went to help him. Mr Smith showed compassion and concern for a fellow human being. He should rightly be recognised as a shining example of good citizenship. Maybe someday the thuggish morons who carried out the despicable attacks might want to be allowed to join the human race. N P Kane Walsgrave
Social networks must protect kids
THE government’s pledge to introduce a regulator and age verification measures to block children from accessing pornography websites is welcome news. At the NSPCC we have long stressed the deeply damaging effect pornography has on young people’s behaviour. It warps their understanding of consent, distorts their views of body image and can be downright dangerous when it comes to learning about sexual health.
This move is a first step. The government must now grasp the nettle and take further action to protect our children from online dangers. Enforcing the proper regulation of social networks is a matter of urgency.
Some social networks have designed their platforms with child safety in mind, others have not. Some are good at taking action when harmful content is reported, others are not.
Each network has their own rules for handling inappropriate content or abusive behaviour on their platforms. This leads to inconsistencies in keeping children safe, and ultimately means social networks are marking their own homework. We’ve had enough and children have had enough.
Social networks must be made to offer safe accounts to under 18s. These will have high privacy settings as default, location settings locked off, offer control over who follows you, and child-friendly reporting buttons that are easy to find and easy to read.
Groomer and bully alerts must also be built into these accounts and automatically flag behaviours to moderators when children are targeted.
Companies must hire more online safety moderators and be transparent about how they work. They should disclose the number of reports they receive and how moderation decisions are made to the regulator.
Proper regulation of social networks will make the internet a better place for young people by protecting and empowering them. Children must be as safe online as they are offline. Sandra McNair NSPCC Midlands Regional Head of Service
Use speeding fines to pay for services
WHAT is the point of 20mph speed limits if they are not enforced?
Of 28 cars over a 15-minute period today, two were under 25mph in my avenue. Six were travelling at 25 to 35 mph and 19 between 35 and 45 mph – all plus or minus 3mph.
I have offered Coventry City Council to pay for a speed camera, but have had no response.
Oh, the final car was travelling at approximately 55mph – on a residential estate.
Why not fine these criminals to help to pay for road upkeep, safety education etc? Dr Jonathan N Maxted Styvechale