Online Safety
How to keep safe on social networks
Young People
It is very important that all young people understand the importance of online safety, whether you are chatting or gaming there are many organisations who can give you more information on how to be safe online.
Visit the following sites for advice on how to be safe whilst using mobile technology, gaming and social networking blogs and podcast sites.
Click here for a Basic guide to social media (or, What is Web 2)
Click here for Useful E-safety websites - for parents - for young people
CyberBullying
The government has announced new measures to curb bullies who use the internet and mobile phones to target other children and teachers. From today, children contacting friends through a number of popular social networking sites, including MySpace and Bebo, will be faced with a pop-up advertisement which carries the message: "Laugh at it and you're part of it". One in three school children has been a victim of "cyber-bullying", by mobile phone or online, according to a Government report.
A recent study by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) showed that up to 34 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds had experienced some form of cyber-bullying. "Cyberbullying" is when a young person is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by young person using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a young person on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a young person against another. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyberstalking is NEVER called cyberbullying.
The methods used are limited only by the child's imagination and access to technology. The cyberbully one moment may be the 'cyberbully' and next become the victim. It is common for young people to change roles, going from victim to bully and back again.
Children have killed each other and committed suicide after having been involved in a cyberbullying incident.
Cyberbullying is usually not a one time communication, unless it involves a death threat or a credible threat of serious bodily harm. Young people usually know it when they see it. Parents may be more worried about the language used by young people than the hurtful effect of rude and embarrassing posts.
The following publications produced by the department for children, schools and families contain more useful information:
Parents and Carers
The benefits of social networking are undeniable, but we often overlook their hazards, particularly for children. But by getting involved in your child's social networking, you can teach them how to remain safe.
Social networks can be great fun and a powerful force for good. They have contributed significantly to popular culture, disaster relief and even political change. But as anyone can sign up to a social network, it will inevitably attract a small minority of users who want to promote extreme or unsavoury views or who have abusive or criminal intentions. So, although the vast majority of users are respectable, its important to take precautions.
Click here for more detailed information on keeping your child safe online.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is a law enforcement agency that aims to give internet safety advice to parents and carers.
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is the UK hotline for reporting illegal online content The IWF works along side law enforcement agencies and the Governement to erase unsuitable content from sites at home and abroad.
Staying safe when you are out and about
Click here for helpful hints and keeping yourself safe when you are out and about.
