The rapid pace at which the technology is evolving and the way in which young people have mastered using this technology continue to challenge online child safety. As children become more skilled in using information technology devices, so do the risks of internet use grow. In this way, they become more independent in exploring and finding ways to gain access to websites with age-inappropriate content.
In general, potential risks of internet usage for children include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Excessive use of the internet to the detriment of social and physical activities outdoors, which are very important for health and social development of the child .
- Risk of physical harm, harassment, physical and sexual abuse by persons with whom the children arrange and meet in person.
- Exposure to illegal and harmful content, such as pornography, various games and contact with unknown users.
- Creation and distribution of illegal and harmful content by your own children.
- Exposure to racist and discriminatory language, texts and images.
- Pretending to be someone else, in order to deceive, injure, harass or coerce someone else.
- Disclosing personal information that can lead to a risk for physical harm.
- Unwanted contacts, especially with adults who pretend to be children.
- The risk of self-harming that comes as a result of your child’s violent and destructive behaviour.
- Receiving and posting inappropriate pictures without prior permission may be detrimental to others. Violation of copyrights, e.g. downloading music,movies and television programs which you must pay for.
- Unauthorized use of credit cards of parents or others to make various paymentsonline.
- Using the account of parents, without their consent, when parental consent is required to activate access to materials which may be considered harmful to children.
- Defamation and damage to reputation.
- Children faking their age, claiming to be older in order to gain access to websites that are allowed only for adults and have inappropriate content for children.