Children (in the UK) Want More Web Protection
Here’s an interesting one. An Ofsted report (from the UK) has found that children actually want more protection when they go online.
Nearly half (45%) think adults should supervise young people when using the web, while around a quarter (24%) believe children should be taught basic online safety. Almost two thirds (61%) asked for pornographic website and chat rooms to be blocked or filtered.
Some children also proposed that young people should not be allowed to post pictures of themselves online, and that the computer should be in a place where adults know they are using it and can monitor what they are doing.
One thing is certain about this study: kids in the UK are taking their Internet safety seriously, but they want help.
I wish kids in the US could be this proactive. Until then, there is monitoring software like PC Pandora to help parents do the job. Use PC Pandora to make sure your kids aren’t spending too much time on pornographic websites or talking to strangers. Use monitoring software to make sure your kids are safe online… that’s the bottom line. It’s all about knowing and being sure. If you’re not using PC Pandora, you’re just guessing…
Children want more web protection
Children want more protection when they are using the Internet, an Ofsted report has found.
Nearly half (45%) think adults should supervise young people when using the web, while around a quarter (24%) believe children should be taught basic online safety.
The survey questioned 686 youngsters aged between four and 20 of varying backgrounds about the issues they would like to see considered in the National Minimum Standards, which are non-enforceable guidelines on how children should be looked after.
The survey found that children were particularly keen that the new set of standards address specific concerns about the Internet.
Almost two thirds (61%) asked for pornographic website and chat rooms to be blocked or filtered.
The children also proposed that young people should not be allowed to post pictures of themselves online, and that the computer should be in a place where adults know they are using it and can monitor what they are doing.
Those in children’s homes were also more likely to say that they should only be allowed to get on the safe, age-appropriate websites, the report found.
The young people questioned all said that the new standards should apply to everyone, including children and parents, as well as managers, trainers and carers.
Dr Roger Morgan, Children’s Rights Director for England, said: “The message here is simple, children are taking their Internet safety seriously, but many clearly don’t feel confident that they can protect themselves on their own.
“They want adults to take a greater role in overseeing their web use and to be told exactly what is safe, so that they are better prepared to steer clear of unsuitable sites. Indeed many children suggested unsafe sites should be blocked completely so they cannot access them.”
