Suzanne Dvorak
Today marks Safer Internet Day, a day observed by more than 50 countries across the globe to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology, particularly among children and young people.
Children wade into the world of technology at increasingly younger ages - by the time they become teenagers, the technological divide between generations can pose challenges for parents who want to guide their children safely through the virtual world.
Young people reportedly spend about two-thirds of their online-time on social networking sites, which have paved the way for a sharp increase in cyber bullying.
Cyber bullying - the use of the internet, mobile phones, and other digital technologies to threaten or abuse - means bullying can take place without time or geographic constraints.
Up to 10 per cent of Australian students have reported being bullied by means of technology over a school term, predominantly among secondary students.
So how do we make the internet safe for children and young people?
Well, it's a question that has vexed the Federal Government since Communications Minister Stephen Conroy revealed last December that the Federal Government would press ahead with mandatory internet filtering as part of its $125.8 million investment in cyber safety.
Critics argue that mandatory Internet Service Provider (ISP) filters are ineffective, an infringement on freedom of speech and that the money spent could be better invested beefing up the Australian Federal Police to deal with cyber crime and online predators.
Protecting children is a compelling argument in favour of the Federal Government's proposed internet filter. However, parents accustomed to imposing some form of internet regulation in the home might resist government-imposed restrictions that are heavy-handed compared to equivalent democracies - especially if their tech-savvy children can easily circumvent the filtering system.
In fact, the most effective way to make the internet safe for children is education. Children, young people, teachers and parents all need to understand the potential dangers and parents can play a significant part by discussing these issues with their children.
Australian research reveals that most parents already do a good job negotiating internet access with their children and that this varies according to age, gender and internet experience. They also have conversations about their children's rights, responsibilities and concerns about bullying and inappropriate content. Such conversations are important in creating an environment of trust between parents and children and for children to learn safe and appropriate behaviour online and offline.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - which Australia has ratified - says that both parents and governments should always act in the best interests of children to protect them from harmful information and material. However, the Convention also recognises the right of children and young people to seek and receive information through any media. Clearly the Convention states broad principles which need to be balanced out in practice.
The best way to protect children from harm is to teach them to protect themselves. Just as we teach children how to cross the road safely, we must teach them how to safely navigate the internet. We do this by assisting and guiding them in the first instance, teaching them how to identify and avoid danger, and what to do if an unsafe situation occurs. As they mature, we allow them greater freedom.
It is the same with internet safety. Parents and community leaders have a responsibility to be good role models. They need to monitor content accessed by children, listen to their concerns and demonstrate responsible internet use.
Curbing freedom of speech will not prevent the exploitation of children. A broad filter may even block genuine forums, for example, in which teenagers can discuss issues that may contain explicit content. This will not protect them; rather it may prevent them from finding information that is valuable to their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
A broad filter might lull parents into a false sense of security, incorrectly assuming their children will be shielded from harm and that there is no need for vigilant parental monitoring. Likewise, children would not be empowered to learn responsible internet use and how to respond in the face of danger.
The lack of evidence to support the efficacy of the Government's planned internet filter suggests that the money could be better spent on internet safety education for children and parents, an investment that will offer children greater protection online and offline.
It is vital that, not only Australian, but any internet user be aware of this information and all that relates to the current Federal Australian Government, and in particular Senator Conroy's plans, for the introduction of mandatory internet filtering for this country.
Any well versed internet user knows exactly what this means, and that no matter what system is put in place, it will not resolve the "problem".
Don't let it happen in Australia! Don't let it happen anywhere! Make them, force them, to deal with the real issues at hand and put in resources to ensure the safety of children etc. This notion is ludicrous, wasteful, laughable and deserves to be highlight exactly as that!
Don't be fooled parents! Don't think that this will protect anyone! And don't be fooled that it won't slow networks, become political (think about it, all information about Abortion or Euthanasia could well be blocked...not just some, ALL!), and since our Government sites Thailand and China as case examples, its a dangerous path on which they walk.
