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The internet
revolution has transformed all of our lives, rewriting the rules
about how we communicate with each other, how businesses operate
and how we conduct our daily lives. The internet has given
young people , in particular, a virtual playground, an
international school and a place to meet and make friends.
More than any other group, young people have embraced the new
technologies and made them their own - at school, at home and
with friends.
But, sadly, the internet - like so many other technological
advances - is not immune from criminal abuse, and can bring its
own dangers, not least to our children. Behaviour on the
internet is subject to the same rule of law as the real world.
And, just as in the real world, we need to take precautions on
the internet to protect ourselves from harm.
The Government's Task Force on Child Protection on the internet
is a positive partnership of experts from the internet and
computing industry, child protection organisations and the
police, which is working to make the UK the best and safest
place in the world for children to use and enjoy the internet.
As parents and carers, you have a crucial role to play.
Whatever your internet experience or expertise, this booklet is
not intended to alarm you, but to alert you to the potential
dangers that children may face online and help you to help them
surf in safety.
The Home Office booklet these pages are based on was produced
thanks to help from ChildLine, Childnet International, the Internet
Service Providers Association, the Internet Watch Foundation
and the NSPCC. |