 Allan
Wilson MSP has linked up with Government Ministers to launch a campaign to
warn parents of the dangers of internet chatrooms. The Think U Know campaign
will give advice to parents on filtering and blocking inappropriate material
and on making sense of internet jargon.
Launching the campaign locally Mr Wilson said: “I don’t wish to alarm
parents or stop our young people using what can be an excellent learning
resource, but parents can help their children to surf the net securely.”
“Paedophiles can adopt false identities in chatrooms in order to contact
children. But a few simple rules can help keep young people safe online.”
Mr Wilson’s comments were echoed by Minister for Young People Peter Peacock,
who urged children and parents in Cunninghame North to take care when
chatting online:
“Used appropriately, the internet can be a fun and educational tool that
allows children to access to a range of information from across the globe.
But it is important that people in Cunninghame North are aware of the hidden
dangers associated with internet use.”
“By following the advice available at www.thinkuknow.co.uk and adopting a
common sense approach, children can enjoy the positive benefits of the
internet, while stopping paedophiles exploiting the anonymous nature of
chatrooms for their own evil ends.”
Notes:
As well as advice for children and young people, the campaign gives
parents/carers general web safety advice as well as information on setting
up filtering and monitoring systems on their children's computers. It also
helps decipher some of the jargon used in relation to the internet to help
them to talk to their children more effectively. |
