Children in Sweden are reportedly embarrassed and concerned about what their parents get up to on the Internet, according to a report from the Barnens Rätt i Samhället (Children's Rights in Society). BRIS reported a rise in complaints to 1,895 in the last year from children about their parents' behaviour. More than 100 of those children who made contact with BRIS did so because they were very worried about their parent's online behaviour. While it was less of an issue in children's lives than other concerns such as bullying, love and relationships etc the charity said that the problem is raising concerns in signifacnt numbers.
One 13-year-old girl stated that her mum was so engrossed in online gaming, specifically the game World of Warcraft, that she rarely spent any time with her:
"This summer she has been sitting up all day and all night and she forgets what's important to me. And when she's not at the computer she's like a lost soul. She just looks straight ahead and says nothing."Another teenage girl also reported that her mum spend time sat half-naked in front of the PC, posting photos of herself online.However, the most frequent worry raised by children was over their father's internet use, typically because they were viewing pornography or were flirting or conduct affairs.A 15 year-old boy stated:“It seems that my dad is 'unfaithful'.I read his MSN conversation log. I was just curious. And then I saw that he was talking to, like, young girls. And the disgusting part is that he's 53! And they talk about sex and how they're going to meet and everything. It makes me want to puke. It really makes me feel bad."
We predominantly focus on encouraging parents to keep an eye on their children’s internet habits and uses but it also be that the children feel they aren't the only ones who need Internet filtering software and guidance on staying safe. The BRIS Report (in Swedish!)
Yesterday, 24th June 2008, the Government published an action plan detailing how the recommendations from March 2008s Byron Review will be implemented. The report was published by Children’s Minister Kevin Brennan, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker and Culture Minister Margaret Hodge.
The action plan outlines the Government’s proposals for appointing the Executive Board of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety. The Board will be chaired by DCSF and Home Office Ministers and will include representatives from industry, law enforcement other relevant agencies. It will be responsible for driving forward the Council’s agenda and meeting recommendations from the Byron Review.
The plan sets out actions and milestones which include:
• how the new UK Council for Child Internet Safety will be set up
• the development of a self regulatory approach by industry which will make the internet safer for children
• plans to raise awareness of e-safety issues among children, young people, parents and other adults through a public information and awareness campaign which will begin in summer 2008 as part of a £9m investment by Government in communications to the public about child safety;
• the role of schools and other services for children and families that can help equip and empower children and their parents to stay safe online.
• reforming the classification system for video games, including plans to launch a consultation to consider all necessary evidence around current and future video games classification
• how Government will work with industry to improve information and support to parents on video games
Full article from DCSF and press release