Staying safe online

The possibilities are endless and amazing. 

However, in addition to the wealth of mind-expanding knowledge that can be accessed, due to the global nature of the Internet it is impossible to prevent offensive and even illegal material being made freely available. 

For the same reason, locating and ensuring prosecution of any individual or group engaging in criminal activity via the Internet is a lengthy and difficult process. 

Three areas of concern for a parent come to mind: 

• Excessive use of the Internet for non-educational purposes to the detriment of homework, outdoor or other social activities.
• The accidental or deliberate exposure to pornographic text/pictures or other offensive material; 
• Contact with inappropriate individuals who have a less than wholesome reason for communicating with your child. 

Unfortunately, anyone with even a limited knowledge of the internet can access offensive, unsuitable and potentially illegal material. Remember, on the internet pornographic images might only be three mouse clicks away! 

Further help and advice:

For further information about the 'safe' use of the internet, including filtering and blocking products, information on privacy issues and a family toolkit, you may wish to visit the following sites. 

Get Net Wise (opens in a new window) 

Safe Kids (opens in a new window)  

Internet Content Rating Association (opens in a new window) 

Childnet International (opens in a new window) 

Internet Watch (opens in a new window)