Media Coverage February 2005

Children 'lack web safety advice' (BBC News Online, 9 Feb 2005)
Nearly one in three UK children have not had any lessons on how to use the internet safely, a study suggests. Those most at risk of encountering pornography or paedophiles were the most expert computer users, the survey of nine to 19-year-olds found. They entered sites more adventurously, ignoring safety concerns, London School of Economics researchers said. Those who stuck to a narrower range of sites were less likely to be exposed, the survey of 1,500 young people added.

Kids 'not taught internet safety' (BBC Newsround, 9 Feb 2005)
Nearly one in three kids aren't taught about staying safe online, according to new research out on Wednesday. The study also found that kids who know more about using the internet are actually most at risk from things like bullying and unsuitable sites. Professor Sonia Livingstone, who led the research, said the biggest danger was from giving out personal details and meeting people from chat rooms.

Keeping the internet safe for children (The Guardian, 18 Feb 2005, by Jim Gamble, Virtual Global Taskforce)
... Recent research from the LSE found that nearly half of nine- to 19-year-olds who use the internet had given out personal information to strangers they've met online. So while thousands of offenders have been arrested over the past few years, there can be no room for complacency. The creation of the Virtual Global Taskforce is a significant step forward in reassuring the public, in protecting children and in creating a more hostile environment for those who go online to commit crime.

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