social networking sites
The last couple of years have seen an innovation on the internet called ‘social networking’ or web 2.0. This allows people to publish their own sites quickly and easily, and to post images and recordings onto the internet for anyone to view.
This is popular with children, as a means of self-expression and a way to meet new, like-minded people. In the two years since its launch in 2004, for example, MySpace attracted 76 million new users.
These sites typically take the form of blog, where people can list their likes and dislikes and other personal information. Most sites also allow other people to leave messages.
This ability to potentially reach millions of other people clearly comes with risks. If privacy settings are set to public or open then anyone can see these sites, and some of these people may not have the best of intentions.
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making online chat safer
So, how can online socialising be made safer? On the Orange web portal, you’ll find services such as Orange Chat and other Orange adult services. These warn the user on entry and require under-18s to declare they are aged 18 or over before they can use the service. Take a look at how to protect yourself using Orange chat, and click here to see the Orange chat moderation policy
socialising online – dangers
One of the main threats posed by socialising online is anonymity. There are no rules demanding that anyone must be who they say they are. People often leave messages under usernames rather than their own names, for example. But people can go further, disguising their age, sex, appearance and interests. These deceptions may be impossible to detect.
socialising online – talking points for children
Here are some areas of discussion with children, to help them avoid encountering someone who isn’t who they say they are.
where to next?
The Department for Education and Skills has a helpful section on web safety.
For more information on IT security, take a look at the National Children’s Home website, or find other useful information here.
The charity Childnet has produced a useful site.
You can find the site of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre here.
The Virtual Global Taskforce is a liaison project concentrating on safer internet operations between police forces in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
