Knowledge shortage in web safety must be addressed


Few days ago, I shared http://www.contadorharrison.com/its-a-crazy-world-as-nude-photos-culture-grows-online and I wondered why people don’t mind about their online activities and its negative effects in future. After fact finding mission, I have realized that majority of netizens would welcome online safety as a way of ensuring they're able to keep their content protected when surfing the web. There is a growing concern about tweens and teenagers online safety and most of you would agree with me that e-safety should be a mandatory element of school education for the current generation. A parent I had spoken to few weeks ago had shared with me that her preference would be to see school selection decisions based in part on school's ability to teach online safety. Most parents accept that ultimately the responsibility of educating their children and keeping them safe when surfing the web rests with them.
In my opinion, that is where the problem lies. Some wealthy parents are said to be confident in their own ability to teach online safety. One thing that I certain the widening gap between parents' perceived and actual knowledge when it comes to the web. Numerous studies have shown that majority of parents clearly need help to stay ahead of how their children are using the Internet. Parents can also understand pertinent issues revolving around online safety and the types of threats their children may face when logging on. Knowledge deficit has an impact on parental decisions making process when considering whether or not to discuss certain subjects with their children in relation to the Internet.  Parents with tweens and teenagers have a theoretical belief they have not been involved in cyber-bullying activities. An online safety assessment to help children and parents close this inadequate knowledge is a necessity that organizations and various government departments should not ignore. There is need for Internet understanding and refresher courses or training for parents to help them ensure their children are not at any risk.

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