Children unaware of internet dangers

Child protection experts today launched a new website that offers advice on safe use of the internet after research found that children were ignorant of the potential dangers of meeting people they befriend online.

The site, For kids by kids online (FKBKO), has been developed by Rachel O'Connell, director of the cyberspace research unit (CRU) at the University of Central Lancashire, who has spent five years investigating internet paedophiles.

It contains an interactive guide to using chatrooms, which explains the dangers of giving out personal information and meeting up with cyber-friends, and advice on online harassment. This includes how to save chat transcripts and blocking other unpleasant users.

Other sections cover how to trace emails to tackle junk mail and online bullies, and combating computer viruses - including links to free anti-virus software. You can also design your own 'cybernaught'.

KKBKO's launch coincides with the release of a new report by the CRU, which found that nearly a third of the 1,369 nine to 16-year-old's surveyed were unaware of the dangers of face-to-face meetings with online friends.

Of the 259 children who use chatrooms, 27 had met up with online friends. Although 74% said they had "a really good time", two were verbally harassed and one boy of 11 reported that the other person had tried to physically hurt him.

Those children who met up with cyber friends were more likely to talk about sex online than those who did not go to face-to-face meetings. In total, 53% of chat users found people talking to them about sex and 49% actively engaged in sexual conversations with cyber-friends.

More than 380 children had accidentally access adult sites. But almost all chat users did not know how or where to report anything offensive or disturbing they had seen, read or experienced on the internet.

Ms O'Connell said: "Our research indicates that there are thousands of children in the UK who remain unaware of basic internet safety guidelines, despite having access to these new technologies, either at home or at school. It is essential that we challenge this lack of knowledge, get the message across to children, teachers, parents and carers, and help to keep children safe."

The study has been endorsed by the children's charities coalition for internet safety (Chis), whose members include Barnardo's, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and NCH.

John Carr, internet advisor to Chis, said: "This research confirms the coalition's belief that it is as important to teach children how to behave and spot danger on-line as it is to educate them about road safety.

"The internet is a fundamental part of young people's everyday lives. We cannot ignore what the children questioned in this study are telling us - that many of them do not know how to use the internet safely."