The Internet is an invaluable resource but sadly, like any technology, it is not immune to abuse. In the virtual world, as in the real one, children and young people are particularly vulnerable. But the potential risks can be managed and children and young people can surf the web safely if they, and their parents/carers, take sensible precautions.
To help raise awareness of personal safety issues, the Scottish Executive launched a campaign in December 2004 to urge parents and carers to ensure that their children are using the internet safely.
Radio and online adverting. leaflets and a website offer parental advice on the safer use of the internet. Parents and carers have a key role to play in keeping their children safe and the campaign also provides a range of advice to them. This includes guidance on setting up filtering and monitoring systems on their children's computers and 'jargon busters' to help them to talk to their children more effectively about the internet.
This is the consecutive fourth year that the Scottish Executive has run an internet safety campaign.
The following are links to websites and contain lots of advice on safe surfing:
Chatsafer - aimed at parents and carers
Internetsafetyzone- aimed at parents and carers and children and young people
Think U Know aimed at children and young people
Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet
We have also recently updated guidance for schools and education authorities on the safe use of the internet.