Safeguarding children in a digital world: national conference and exhibition National motorcycle museum 13 February 2008

Stephen Carrick-Davies, Chief Executive, Childnet International Pulling the plug or pulling the wool! - Lessons learnt in empowering parents, children and teachers

The technology is neutral

Pulling the plug or pulling the wool Digital panic Toxic, reactionary, destabilising. Children: over stimulated and addicted. Digital promise Exciting, embrace positive, radical change. Children: - You can be a digital pioneer

I get so worried about what they might see that I feel happier if they just dont use it. If my child has a problem and I dont know how to help, then Id rather not know !

Schools Govt/Police LA/LCSB Industry Parents and Carers Parents and the home environment they create are the single most important factor in shaping their childrens well-being, achievements and prospects Alan Johnson, Education Secretary

Anything that gets invented after youre thirty is against the natural order of things and the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it ….until its been around for about ten years when it gradually turns out to be alright really. Douglas Adams

A video clip is available – to watch this, please visit the Digizen website

I know it is helpful for my kids but show me the benefits Helping parents / carers Understand the fears of parents Listen to what parents want Appreciate the messages they want/need to hear Recognise who they trust most to give the message Make sure it is in their language Give them something they can use with their children.

SHOW KIA MODULE A video clip is available – to watch this, please visit the Childnet website

* SOURCE: Anti- Bullying Alliance research 2007 It ruins childrens lives and 22% of young people report having being the target of cyberbullying * It is different from other forms of bullying, including: Lack of closure and 24/7 contact Perception of anonymity Bystander effect laugh at it and youre part of it! Dont necessarily see the effect – lack of empathy But it does leave a trail! The use of ICT, particularly mobile phones and internet, deliberately to upset someone else Young people

The positive opportunities! 1 Hanging out and identity Young people need a space to hang out and express themselves and gather in adult free space, in much the same way as young people used to at the youth club or shopping centre. 2 Shift from consumption to creation The opportunity to be creative, and express themselves with original content, customise pages and engage in collective self expression and collaboration. 3 Risk assessment Young people need a space to manage risks for identity and test boundaries. Most appear to be capable of self-regulation if they are made aware of the risks. 4 Peer to peer education Active communication, strengthening existing relationships, sharing ideas, supporting and helping each other. 5 Informal learning Acquiring new skills which are highly valued in the new knowledge economy (eg creativity, presentation, team building, retrieving information, assessing value, analysing, reviewing etc).

Preserving culture It helps create understanding, break down barriers and offers a means of preserving and showcasing culture and identity. Democracy and global citizenship Created by the people for the people. Unique connection to the world with little censorship. Education Freedom of information, access to education resources, great at breaking down barriers of class and distance.

A video clip is available – to watch this, please visit the Digizen website

The key questions for schools Recognising the educational value of these services, Pilot new models of learning and, Embed e-safety into the PSHE (personal, social and health education), citizenship, ICT curriculum. See this as primarily an out of school issue Focus on blocking and control students use of these services Leave it to parents to supervise and educate. OR

Go upstream and train and equip teachers coming into the profession. Teachers Reach, train and equip existing teachers through their continuing professional development (CPD). and Embedding e-safety within the curriculum Educating and equipping the 800,000 workforce (CPD) Empowering young people to be the educators.

What would Gandhi have done if he had had a MYSPACE account ? HOW CAN WE INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE IN CREATIVE USE ?

THANK YOU !