The internet is a world of opportunities but also of dangers. Mark Spiteri, BeSmartOnline! project coordinator, explains what is being done to make the internet a safer experience.
The Malta Communications Authority is organising a national digital literacy conference on November 21-22. The conference will focus on e-citizenship and is intended to raise the awareness of children, young people, families, adults and those who work with them, about e-citizenship issues, specifically law, rights and responsibilities and etiquette. This event will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to team up and discuss issues pertaining to the local scenario.
It is envisaged that the proceedings of this conference will lead to the formulation of a set of guidelines for educators.
What is the rate of internet usage among children and youths?
Data published by Eurostat shows that 94 per cent of households with dependent children have access to the internet. Additionally, the Malta Communications Authority and some other private establishments provide free Wi-Fi connections which can be easily accessed through smartphones or tablets. This, together with the widespread use of mobile data, indicates that internet usage among children and youth is very high. Research published in 2013 by BeSmartOnline! shows that 85 and 80 per cent of males and females respectively make use of the internet minimum twice a week.
What added value does the internet provide with regards to education and entertainment for children and youths?
The internet provides a myriad of opportunities for children and youths. Among its uses, the internet is highly used for communication purposes, especially through social networking sites. In fact, 90 per cent of 13- to 15-year-old children and 41 per cent of eight- to 11-year-old children have an account on Facebook (MCA, 2012).
The internet has also become the main source of information and hence students develop critical thinking skills. Such information can be presented and disseminated in numerous interactive ways such as through the use of educational audiovisual content and online games.
Online games, while being a source of entertainment, can also serve as a good educational tool through which students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. Nevertheless, online multiplayer games present users with a number of challenges with regards to a safe online experience.
The online world can also be dangerous for young users. What are the main dangers?
The main risks associated with internet use are a reflection of those found offline. It is important to highlight that the risks associated with internet use are brought about by harmful behaviour or ill intended individuals who make bad use of the technology available. The major concern that the internet has brought about is that such risks have been amplified.
Cyber bullying is one of the main harmful behaviours young users experience online. Cyber bullying is the same as its traditional counterpart, with the exception that it manifests itself through online communication. The difference between cyber-bullying and offline bullying is that the audience witnessing the abuse is potentially larger – this may be more detrimental to the victim. Cyber bulling may also continue even within the safety of home, giving no peace to the victim. In addition, due to the fact that the offenders are behind a screen, they will be more likely to say or do things which would be more difficult to say face-to-face. Another main risk is that of over-exposure. This relates closely to the digital footprint concept. All our online activities contribute to the development of our online trail which reflects our online identity. Pictures, status updates, personal information, pages liked and other social media activities often expose more than we would like to share publicly. Users, even from a very tender age, make use of social networking sites. It is important that the use of such sites is moderated and supervised by parents as these could, if misused, expose children to risks. The risks include exposure to inappropriate content, sharing of private and sensitive information, self-exposure, and coming into contact with strangers.
Unfortunately, some of the dangerous uses that even adults fall victim to are brought about by lack of awareness or misuse bt the users themselves. It is unavoidable that the more we use the internet, the more likely that we will come across a number of risks. It is important to be aware of such risks, recognise them, and take preventive action not to fall victim.
What are the main aims of the BeSmartOnline! campaign?
The BeSmartOnline! campaign, led by the MCA in partnership with the Foundation for Social Welfare Services and the Office of the Commissioner for Children, sought to encourage children to have a positive internet experience. This is attained by empowering them to actively protect themselves and others and to give them the necessary tools to recognise risks. In addition the project worked to provide them with remedies should they become victims.
In addition, the BeSmartOnline! campaign set out to combat online illegal content such as child abuse images by providing a reporting mechanism to the general public and collaborating with other entities internationally.
What are the main initiatives of this campaign?
We have embarked on a number of educational awareness campaigns and initiatives which have been primarily targeted to children, but also to their support networks such as parents and grandparents, teachers and social workers. Such initiatives included extensive school campaigns which reached all schools in Malta and Gozo. These interactive sessions were delivered in collaboration with various educational directorates within the Ministry of Education and the Secretariat for Catholic Education.
A number of sessions were also held with what have been identified as vulnerable children. These included children in out of home care and their respective carers. With the assistance of the Local Council Association, community sessions were held in local councils with the intent of increasing awareness on the digital parenting skills required to look after young internet users – these sessions were designed for parents and grandparents.
The national supportline 179 extended its services in order to to cater for any difficulties which may be encountered by internet users especially when these difficulties concern children. This is available at www.childwebalert.gov.mt. Also, in close collaboration with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Malta Police Force, an online platform has been set up through which the public can anonymously report online illegal content. Such initiatives have been undertaken following consultation with a number of key entities which have agreed to participate in an advisory board which set up for this purpose. Seminars addressed by foreign speakers have also been organised for educators. Another event for educators is being planned for November 21.
What is the role that parents and educators play in making the internet a safer experience for children and youths?
As the supporting network of children, parents and educators have a major role to play in making the internet a safer place for children. Although the ever-changing technological landscape may be daunting to some, parents and educators need to understand that a positive online experience can only partly be attained through technical means. It is important that values and principles that help children understand right from wrong are established. The risks associated with internet use are the same as those found offline, and therefore it’s important that parents and educators pass on valuable life skills to children.
Seminars for educators, parents and guardians are being held on November 21-22. Karl Hopwood, an expert in the field, will be addressing a seminar on November 22. Registration for this event is free of charge. Special arrangements have been made to also provide entertaining educational online safety sessions to children for those parents who wish to attend.
For more information, call on 2598 2142/2805 or visit www.besmartonline.org.mt.