Parents given new weapon against online child abuse

Child abuse over the internet can now be reported online thanks to an inter-ministerial initiative that allows anyone to inform Agenzija Appogg of illicit content on suspicious and harmful websites, or send queries.

The online reporting system was officially launched on the occasion of European Internet Safety Day yesterday. However, the pilot project has been operational since October and 30 reports have already been lodged, ranging from suspicious language to enquiries about websites, the CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, Joe Gerada, said.

Reports of illegal content can even be made anonymously on www.appogg.gov.mt, requiring users to answer a few questions such as where, when and how they came across it.

The online reporting service complements the 24-hour Supportline 179. Through the website, Appogg can provide support, be it in the form of therapy or by informing the police, depending on the specific requests and needs of the families.

The project is another step in efforts to create a safer internet for everyone, particularly children. It is part of a multimedia educational campaign coordinated by the Investment, Industry and Information Technology Ministry and the Family and Social Solidarity and Education Ministry, together with Agenzija Appogg and Sedqa. Other collaborators include the police cyber crime unit, the Commissioner for Children and internet service providers.

Co-funded by the European Commission, the campaign targets children, parents and educators. Over the coming weeks information will be provided about internet safety.

Speaking at the launch at St Martin's College, in Swatar, IT Minister Austin Gatt pointed out that 80 per cent of Maltese students, aged between seven and 16, used the internet on a regular basis, with 67 per cent using it for their studies. This showed that future generations would be able to meet the technological challenges ahead.

However, as with all positive inventions, there was a negative side to the coin, he added. A Task Force for Child Protection over the Internet was working on an eSecurity strategy to address problems related to safety over the internet, he said.

A new leaflet about the Supportline 179 hotline service was also launched yesterday. It is being distributed to schools.