It seems like children of all ages use technology in some form or fashion. From entertaining computer games to educational learning applications, technology is a huge presence in the lives of children growing up today. The Internet itself is a major player in this technological presence. There is no arguing that Internet usage can produce many benefits in the education of children and young adults. Yet, many parents and caregivers have concerns about what their children have access to in the seemingly limitless online arena. If you are a parent or caregiver of a young person, Childnet International may help ease your mind when it comes to your child’s Internet usage.
Childnet International is an organization based in the United Kingdom whose goal is to help make the Internet a wonderful and safe place for young people. Childnet International recognizes both the good and bad aspects of Internet exposure for children by promoting the positive and inspiring qualities of the Internet while also responding to the negative and/or dangerous side the Internet can have. The three main areas Childnet International focuses on are Access, Awareness, and Protection and Policy. Taken from the official Childnet International website, these focus areas are described as:
• Access and promoting quality content Helping children and young people to use the net constructively, showcase quality content and enable others to use our resources and develop new projects.
• Awareness and advice Helping children and young people acquire new “net literacy” skills and giving advice to industry, organizations, parents, teachers and caregivers about Internet and mobile safety.
• Protection and policy Working with others to help protect children from being exploited in the online environments provided by new technologies as well as seeking to initiate and respond to policy changes.
Parents and caregivers can visit the Parents’ Support section of the Childnet International website to download the “Know IT All” PowerPoint presentation, which was put together by Childnet International to inform adults about the online experience of young people. This presentation also discusses the risks young people may face online as well as ways to minimize these risks. There is also a multimedia Parents Seminar available for download on the Childnet International website that talks about Internet safety and concerns.
Schools all over the world are becoming more and more technically geared with each passing year. While these technological advancements are obviously positive in many ways, the increased access and exposure to the online world can also equate to increased risks. Thankfully, the Childnet International website also has an entire section dedicated to teachers. One resource available for teachers here is the “Safe and Secure Online” presentation that addresses Internet safety as it applies to a classroom setting. There are also presentations available for young children and children ages 8 – 12 covering issues related to Internet safety and tips for staying safe while online.
There are additional resources to explore on the Childnet International website, including a projects and resources section, the news release archive, and much more. If you are the parent or caregiver of a young person or if you would simply like to educate yourself on Internet safety, you can visit the Childnet International website at http://www.childnet.com/ .