Assembly Member calls for action to protect children from the dangers of the internet

12.00.00am GMT Tue 27th Nov 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black, is to stage a short debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday in which he will highlight the many dangers children face from the internet and other new technology and call for both young people and parents to be better educated about the dangers they face.

In his debate Mr. Black will point out that many children know far more about computers and technology than their parents and most teachers, and as a result even the most sophisticated firewalls and filtering system can be by-passed. He also issues a warning to young people to treat strangers on-line with the same caution as they would in the playground.

Mr. Black highlights some simple rules that parents and their kids should follow so as to minimise the risk and to stay safe. These include not giving out personal details to anyone over the net, to ensure that they don't accept gifts, electronic or otherwise, from strangers and not to arrange a meeting with new friends unless accompanied by a parent or appropriate adult. He will also address concerns about inappropriate videos placed on You Tube.

"What makes this such a difficult problem to address is the fact that the young are generally more computer literate than older generations," said Mr. Black. "That means that adults may install software to limit access to the internet, which they think is foolproof, only for the child to break through it."

"We need to encourage parents and children to communicate about the dangers that can be caused. Parents must learn more about new technology so as to effectively supervise and educate their children in its dangers."

"A report by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre provides examples of risky behaviour by children. These include creating and posting sexually themed content online such as images, videos, usernames and blog content; engaging in sexually themed online discussions with older teenagers and adults or with individuals that are known to them only in the online environment; and disclosing excessive personal information such as e-mail, passwords, phone numbers or information about their real world situations that may assist in identifying them on their online profiles, blogs or on social networking sites."

"They tell us that this sort of material is increasingly being recovered from the hard drives and image collections of adults with a sexual interest in children. They add that the familiarity of young people with online communication tools as a means of socialising with their peers outside of the classroom is not matched by an awareness of the risks and threats. At the same time, they say, adults tend to be unaware of the negative experiences that could result from young people's online activity."

"There is some good advice out there to assist parents in helping their children surf safely. This includes placing the computer where the whole family can use it rather than out of sight in a bedroom. Parents should talk with their children and get a common understanding of the dangers and what are good sites to visit. Regular checks can ensure that these agreed limitations are being adhered to."

"Chat lines are the main way to meet people online but since they are open to abuse parents should ensure that their children are as cautious of strangers online as they would be in the world outside. If they see or receive any obscene, abusive or threatening messages they shouldn't respond. They should tell their parents, who should consider informing their internet provider. There are dangers even in moderated chat rooms."

"The one place where children cannot be supervised is in internet cafes. When they are at home, at school or even in the local library there is always the likelihood that an adult will be around to check up on them. That is not the case in the increasing number of internet cafes that are appearing in many communities. There are no constraints in these premises on the age of those using computers and there is a case in my view for them to be licensed in the same way as sex shops, casinos and bookmakers so as to prevent inappropriate use."

"I have talked here a lot about the dangers of the internet but we should appreciate that there are massive benefits for young people as well. There is a wealth of information and advice out there that can be accessed at a touch of the button including help with health and personal issues. By and large the web is a force for good and if used properly it can add value to our lives and to those of young people."

"The increasing pace of change in the world of communications and technology can be bewildering and difficult to keep up with but if we are to keep our children safe then we need to make the effort to understand it and keep track of trends and developments. At the end of the day the internet is just another tool like any other. If those using it follow some basic rules then they can surf safely and benefit enormously from it."