The Growing Influence of the Internet
In the era of modern technology, the internet is inescapable for young people. As accessibility to connected devices grows, young people will begin to learn more about the internet and how it can be used as an educational tool.
However, this can also put children at risk to the more pervasive aspects of the internet. The long term effects on behavioural development in children is still being learnt. With nearly all young people having access to some kind of smart device – these conversations have never been more prevalent.
Why Educating Children on Internet Safety is Crucial
Children represent one of the most vulnerable groups in society, posing unique safeguarding concerns relating to their wellness in an online space. Teaching children healthy internet practices from a young age is the best way to provide them with the tools to navigate the online world into adulthood.
Online Risks: Identifying and Understanding Threats
Young people are perhaps the most at risk to online threats, since it can be difficult to differentiate between genuine and threatening individuals through an internet that emphasises anonymity. These are the situations children are especially at risk from:
Cyberbullying
This refers to the use of technology and social media platforms to threaten, intimidate or harass others. Since young people are increasingly engaging with these platforms they are especially at risk. Cyberbullying can lead to mental health problems, issues with self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Teaching them to report cyberbullying and highlighting ways to recognise it is the first step in preventing it.
Inappropriate Content
Children are naturally inquisitive, but with this comes the risk of viewing material unsuitable for their age and maturity level. The main form of these accessible to children are inappropriate website, videos and images. These can be scarring for a child’s wellbeing in all areas.
These sites also come with secondary security concerns: malicious malware, online scams and catfish. These are rampant amongst such content and easily be clicked on and downloaded by young people not appropriately safeguarded. This can put all manner of personal information severely at risk.
Privacy Concerns
Young people often don’t realise the extent to which their personal information can be valuable to scammers and online phish looking to use this information to commit identity theft. If not properly safeguarded children run the risk of revealing sensitive personal information to strangers online, who often have malicious intent.
This can include home addresses, contact information or even medical records. Allowing these to breach can impact both their digital and real-world safety. The release of such information could lead to bullying amongst their peers in the classroom, as well as create legitimate concerns around who outside the classroom has this data.
Web Filtering Tools: Enhancing Online Protection
Introduction and Functionality
A web filter works by limiting access to certain websites or categories of content for people searching through the internet. Through the use of algorithms, based off a pre-determined list of criteria given by the administrator, they can analyse web content and determine whether to admit or block users from entering.
Web filters act as the perfect first step for barricading young people from inappropriate or otherwise malicious websites that might seek to exploit themselves or their personal data. This stops them from ever being able to load up such sites in the first place, ones that might be deemed unsuitable for their maturity level or simply contain malicious malware and scams
Choosing the Right Tool: Factors to Consider
When choosing a web filtering tool specifically for children, there are specific factors to consider. Age-appropriate settings, educational content integration, user-friendly interface and finally real- time monitoring will all be important.
Prioritising these areas will implement a tool that consider the needs of both the parents and the teachers. This provides a peace of mind that children can learn about the internet in a safe and age- appropriate manner.
Solutions in Internet Safety With Glide
Glide Education utilises industry leading digital safety tools to ensure the protection of children from harmful online content. They can discretely intercept searches that violate web filters whilst maintaining user privacy. With a scalable system the unique needs of your household or educational institution can easily be managed.
