Describe the Risks and Possible Consequences for Children and Young People Using the Internet, Mobile Phones and Other Technologies

2.3.2 Describe the risks and possible consequences for children and young people using the internet, mobile phones and other technologies. Though a wonderful educational and social resource, the internet poses a multitude of dangers of its own. In this day and age most homes have the internet and even cafes and shops offer wifi services so people can access the internet from pretty much anywhere and with games consoles, mobile phones and a multitude of other devices having internet capabilities you do not need to own a computer or laptop now to be able to access the world wide web. Unfortunately peadophiles and other dangerous and unsavoury characters have cottoned on to the power of the internet and use it for their own vile ends. Having the internet in your home or in school is almost like opening the door to the world and if youre not careful, inviting anyone in. Most children do not see the possible dangers lurking on facebook and in online chatrooms and gamerooms and it is our job as adults and educators to help protect children online and help them to understand the threats that are there in cyberspace. One of the most obvious dangers on the internet is violent, sexual or otherwise graphic material that is unappropraite for children to see. This material can pop up through innocent web searches via something as simple as a spelling mistake. Children who are exposed to inapropriate material can be upset or become desensitized to something, their perception of right wrong or normal being changed. Also children may give out too much personal information on the internet, allowing peadophiles or other potential abusers to know where they go, what they do in their spare time, their like and dislikes, making grooming and targeting victims a much simpler process. Children do not know who they are talking to online and often believe they are talking to a child their age when really it is a devious adult out to gain their trust. Websites like facebook and