Task 3.2
Technology concerns for children and young people
Children and young people can be in danger when they use technology such as internet which can present a threat to their safety. The internet is a powerful source of technology which is sometimes dangerous for children and young people to use because there are many different kinds of people on networking sites that don’t show their identity.
The internet can make children and young people expose to unsuitable sites that are mainly used by adults such as Facebook, twitter. Young people need to be aware of the possible dangers from using the internet, including social networking sites such as porn websites which include inappropriate images that are not suitable for children.
Many children and young people have access to mobile phones so that their parents are sure that their child is safe but mobile phones can cause cyber-bullying which causes many problems between the child and their parents. For example a child may give their phone number to another child and then that child may pass on their number to others and they may get bullied by receiving nasty comments.
The risks that may occur on the internet is that if a child or young people own an account on social networking site like Facebook, twitter they can be stalked or they can be forced into sending inappropriate messages to others. To own a Facebook account the person has to be older 13 years old but some children make an account by giving false details.
Also children and young people may not understand the consequences of social networking sites such as they may decide to meet someone from Facebook and they may get physically abused or they can be kidnapped. They may even be told to send inappropriate images to the person they have contact with, children can be exposed to abuse by unknown adults who may pretend to be someone else to harm the child.