Written by / Zeinab Ibrahim
The Internet has become an increasing presence in the working and private life of all family members,
including children, for its many benefits in the areas of learning, communication and recreation.
In particular, information has become an educational subject adopted in the curricula of some educational institutions.
The benefits of the Internet in developing the capacities and skills of children are high, but they are at risk.
They may threaten the safety of the child, expose him or her to abuse, violence or exploitation,
and subject him or her to addiction, reflecting on the health, physical and mental development and mental balance of the child.
In the absence of awareness of these risks and of precautionary measures, the chances of exposure to these risks are increased.
According to research conducted by the National Communications Regulatory Agency in 2019,
the rate of family access to the Internet has moved from 25% in 2010 to 74.2% in 2018.
In fact, the Internet can be a great thing for children as they can use it to search, help them do their homework, communicate with other teachers and children, and use interactive games.
But online access also comes with severe risks.
Such as inappropriate content, bullying and cyberbullying faced by many young people, and online scammers who connect with children using the apps and sites where these young people interact.
Fraudsters may pretend to be a child or adolescent looking to find a new friend, urge the child to exchange personal information,
such as home address and telephone number, or encourage children to contact and communicate with them in preparation for exploitation and fraud.
Nick Whitton, director of J. H. Godwin Primary School in British Chester City, warns.
From the virtual quiet of children as they are connected to the network; this
“silence may be misleading.”
Whitton also confirms in remarks to BBC, which has finally published a lengthy report on the subject.
“Children can be traumatized by the horrific videos they watch online,”
the headmistress of the school with 180 pupils between the ages of four and a half explains.
Mrs. Witton explains that she sees “children as young as 6 who play 12-rated computer games on the Internet.. We have cases for children who need medicine to sleep, which is very worrying.”
“Some children who come to school are sleeping in the classroom and are not paying attention to their studies.
Because they were up all night playing on their devices and phones. Some of them were ordered to organize a competition on WhatsApp.
Ayham plays longer and can stay awake the longest time, and the winner was a child sent the last message at four o’clock.”
Basic guidelines to share with your children
The following guidelines should be clear to your children, according to the Children’s Health Organization;
always talk to them about them, discuss them and explain them to them.
And answer their questions about them no matter what and without complaining, it’s important for your child to understand the risks they face over the international network, namely:
Follow family rules, and those developed by your ISP.
Never post or trade in personal photos.
Never disclose any personal information, such as address, phone number, school name or location.
Don’t share passwords with anyone but your parents.
Never agree to meet face to face with anyone you have met online without the consent and, or supervision of the guardian.
المزيد
آيادٍ ناعمة… ولكنها ممزقة بقلم الكاتب هانى الميهى
انتظر ولا تيأس! بقلم سها مراد
أرواح آثمة بقلم فاطمة فتح الرحمن أحمد