194 reports of internet abuse

Since February 2011 the Appoġġ hotline team has received 194 reports of internet abuse, of which 131 came through the online reporting system on www.appogg.gov.mt, while 63 reports where received through calls on Supportline 179. These reports included cases of cyber bullying, grooming or sexual harassment, sexting, issues related to privacy, media education, internet ad­diction, and illegal content.

This was announced by Appoġġ during Safer Internet Day, which was celebrated last Tuesday across Europe to promote safe and responsible use of the internet by children and young people. Appoġġ forms part of Insafe – a European network of awareness centres promoting safe, responsible use of the internet and mobile devices by young people.

To mark the day locally the Appoġġ hotline team organised activities in two schools during which about 230 students took part in a board game, discussion groups and quizzes aimed at promoting responsible use of the internet. Topics covered included internet safety tips, online risks such as cyber bullying, and where to get help.

A spokesman for the Appoġġ hotline team said it was important for parents to play an active role in their children’s digital lives by keeping themselves informed about the various dangers their children might be subject to over the internet and the protection available.

“Minors’ behaviour online can put them into unwarranted risks. Without the proper parental gui­dance, the internet might become harmful to the unsuspecting child. More awareness about the possible consequences of risky behaviour is required,” the spokesman said.

The hotline team regularly organises activities in schools and other entities as part of the ‘Besmartonline’ project to create more awareness about safer inter­net use.

The project is run by the Malta Communications Authority in col­laboration with Appoġġ, the Com­missioner for Children, the Direc­torate for Educational Services, the Secretariat for Catholic Education, and the Malta Police Force.