E-safety
With the introduction of digital competence being bought into
the new curriculum and the fact that technology is ever growing and advancing in
and out of the classroom, it’s essential that before teaching children about
digital competence that you make them aware of the importance of E-safety and
the risks that can occur while using the internet.
Nowadays, the ages of children using social media such as ‘Facebook’,
‘Snapchat’ and ‘Instagram’ is becoming younger and younger. Almost half of
British children aged 9 to 12 are using social networking sites, despite
minimum age limits. Research carried out by the London School of Economics
for the European Commission, was based on a survey of 25,000 young people -
aged between nine and 16 - from across Europe. It asked if they maintained a
social networking profile. In the UK, 43% of 9 to 12-year-olds answered yes,
along with 88% of 13 to 16-year-olds (BBC News, 2011). This article was
published in 2011, seven years ago, so imagine what the statistics would be
this current day. /https%3A%2F%2Fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fcard%2Fimage%2F467576%2F2964dad8-bc37-4e26-a1af-31124c2a2646.jpg)
E-safety is crucial if a young child is to use social media or
even IPADS, apps and games without their parents observing and keeping an eye
on what they looking at, apps they’re using or what the child has access to the
older they grow. I feel strongly that if parents are able to put parental guidance and
child locks on, they should to avoid any potential content that their child could access which is
dangerous. Not only this, but also avoid allowing their child to have access
and be influenced by social media at a young age as avoiding access will benefit them in the
long run. These days too many children are becoming easily influenced by what
they see and read on social media as they think it must be the “norm”. A
massive issue that I’ve grown to become aware of is the power that social media
can hold over a young child’s appearance and confidence in they way they look
and the way they dress as they feel they must look and dress a certain way in
order to be accepted by society which is of course wrong and shouldn’t matter.
Children must be aware of the risks of using the internet,
online games and social media that allows you to have contact with people
worldwide.
A few of these risks include:
1. Sexual risks
/ harassment
2. Cyberbullying
3. Commercial
Risks (Privacy / Illegal downloads)
4. Digital footprints
My two main focusses from the risks shown above are sexual
risks / harassment and cyberbullying. Online grooming is increasing at a scary
speed. Many children are unware of when they’re being groomed and the risks
that it entails as groomers try to make themselves seem like a “friend” or a “friendly
face”, someone who the child can feel comfortable talking to online. It’s crucial
that children are made aware and careful of what they are uploading online especially
the images that they choose to share. If a parent does give their child
permission and access to social media such as Facebook for example, they should
insure that their child’s profile is as private as possible.” Most of us
talk to people online – it's a great way to stay connected. It can even be a
good way of making new friends sometimes. But it's really important to
understand the dangers of talking to someone you don't know” (Childline, 2018).
5 places where grooming can happen:
1.social networking websites
2.instant messaging apps
3.photo sharing apps and sites, like Instagram
4.chat rooms
5.online gaming sites. (Childline, 2018)
Sexual risks and cases of harassment aren’t the only things that
are taking advantage of the internet and social media, cyberbullies use it to their
advantages too.
What is Cyberbullying?
“Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital
devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur
through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where
people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes
sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about
someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about
someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses
the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour” (Stopbullying.gov, 2018).
Cyberbullying can be
seen along a range of social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat,
Instagram, online gaming and game consoles. Its important that if a child is being bullied
online or if a child is aware of another individual being bullied online that
they tell a responsible adult whether it be their parents, teacher or even an
older sibling in order for something to be done about resolving and distinguishing
the issue to prevent it from carrying on. Its important that a child is aware
that its okay to speak up about these things and not hide away or try and
ignore it. Not only that, but also make parents more aware of possible signs
that their child is being bullied online so they can pick up on it themselves.
Cyberbullying, online harassment and digital abuse can in
some cases (depending on where you are located and where the person
participating in abusive behaviour is) constitute a criminal offense. Although
it can be difficult to take legal action for some kinds of bullying and abuse
online – many countries and states are introducing new legislation or amending
existing laws to incorporate digital abuse and harassment online (Cybersmile,
2017).
So, how do I think we can prevent it?
·
Make children more aware of the consequences
·
Make them aware that bullying alone is wrong
·
Make them consider others emotions and how they’d feel
in the situation
·
Let them know who they can go to for help
Below I have attached a short PowerPoint about online
commercial risks created by a small group of us😊 Thank you for reading!
References:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/online-grooming/
Hi Jess! Interesting post on E-Safety. I really like how you've chosen to focus on Cyberbulling and Online Grooming as this is such an important and scary issue in the modern day, especially as so many young children access social media.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the general topic of E-Safety, I think it might be worth exploring the Digital Competency Framework (DCF) by the Welsh Government. They highlight four key areas that should be taught in schools, that I really feel link to keeping safe online. These areas are: Citizenship, Producing, Interacting&Collaborating and Data&Computational Thinking.
You can access the DCF at
http://learning.gov.wales/docs/learningwales/publications/160831-dcf-guidance-en-v2.pdf
Hi Lizzie, glad you enjoyed reading my blog. This was one of my favourite blogs as I hold such a strong opinion on it as this is a current and growing issue within the world as technology is increasing worldwide and in education. So, as future teachers its important that we become more aware. Thank you for sharing the link with me, ill definitely take a look as I'm always keen to learn more about the subject!
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