Learning about e-safety
"Children are exposed to ICT at an ever-younger age. Preschool television programmes often have accompanying websites, games consoles offer internet and Wi-Fi connections enabling interaction with other players, and the age of mobile phone ownership is falling, with a number of handsets appearing on the market aimed specifically at the under-10s. Home access to computers and the internet is also growing. Research conducted by the Office of Communications (Ofcom) found that by the first quarter of 2006, internet connections had reached 60 per cent of households in the UK, and 67 per cent of households had a personal computer. Growth in broadband connections has similarly risen, with seven in 10 internet-connected homes (41 per cent of all UK homes) using a broadband connection in the first quarter of 2006. The same report found that young people (aged 16-24) are typically moving away from old, traditional media, favouring digital television and radio over analogue and local commercial services. These young people also favour mobile voice and text calls over fixed line telephony, spend more time online, and expect 'on demand' delivery of services. These trends are probably reflected in the younger population.
Technology has not just permeated the social aspects of life, but is evident in the classroom too. ICT is embedded in reception classrooms and is a constant and prevalent feature of school life. Children and young people are increasingly referred to as 'digital natives': citizens born into a digital world, who grow up surrounded by and emerged in the technology and tools of the digital age. Their confidence in using the technologies is typically high, but their knowledge and awareness of the inherent issues, risks and dangers may be low. It makes sense, therefore, that children should be taught responsible use of these technologies as soon as they start to use them, and certainly when they start school.
Education about how to use the technologies safely should be appropriate to the children's age and level of skill and understanding, and should not detract from the fun and educational aspects of ICT. By instilling within children a set of core principles to support them in their use of technology, they will be better able to become safe and discriminating users of new technologies as they grow older and their experiences and exposure to technology widens."
Becta has produced two 60 page booklets which give an overview of the technologies that children and young people may encounter, and describe some of the associated risks and issues. They identify appropriate curriculum links for teaching e-safety either at Key Stage 1 and 2 and Key Stage 3 and 4, along with some useful resources.
Last Modified:
06/08/2009 07:56:00
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