Explain the risks and possible consequences for children andyoung people of being online and of using a mobile phone.Technology can present a number of risks for children and young people, which

threaten their safety and welfare. The internet has invaded many aspects of

children’s lives and it can be a very powerful tool. However, being online can also

expose children to unsuitable sites and potentially harmful material. Social

networking sites can encourage young people to post personal and private

information online making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Did you know?

In 2014, the NSPCC published a report which found that 28% of children aged 11-16with a profile on a social networking site had experienced something upsetting on itin the last year.

(NSPCC, 2014)

The consequences of using modern technology.

Some child abusers use the internet to ‘groom’ children and coax them into revealing

personal information or even posting photographs of themselves. Internet chat

rooms can be very deceptive and it is not uncommon for children to engage in

conversations online, with no idea who they are actually “chatting” with. These risks

are amplified with the increased accessibility of the internet through ‘smart’ phones,

tablets and other mobile devices.

Video games and online gaming can also present risks for children. Some games

have very explicit and violent content, which is not always fully recognised or

appreciated by parents or carers. This can pose a number of risks for children and

young people and has been linked to influences on children’s behaviour.

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Many children and young people now use a mobile phone and the benefits of being

able to communicate can be a great reassurance to parents. However, mobile

phones can also be an instrument for cyber-bullying, and this has caused a great

deal of distress for many young people and their parents. Smart phones also

provide access to the internet in addition to a vast range of downloadable apps,

which can create problems not only in relation to inappropriate content, but also from

excessive financial expenditure.

Children and young people are increasingly being exposed to technology in their

own homes and learning environments. They need to be aware of the possible

dangers from using all types of technology and adults have a responsibility to ensure

that children are protected.

The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) was established in 2008 to

implement the recommendations from the Byron Review “Safer Children in a

Digital World”. The UKCCIS is a group of more than 200 organisations that work in

partnership to help keep children safe online.

Since September 2011, online safety education has been a requirement in schools in

England for children from the age of five years. It is becoming increasingly important

for all children and young person settings to take on more responsibility and to have

guidelines in place for supporting e-safety with children and young people.

You can find out more about internet safety at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/uk-council-for-child-internet-safety-ukccis

http://www.wisekids.org.uk/ukccis/ukccis.htm

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