Behind the Screen - young people and the Internet

Recently published research from the Institute for Public Policy Research raises concerns about the content young people can access and the lack of awareness among parents about what their children are doing on the Internet.

The research found that four in five 5 -15 year olds have access to the Internet at home, using it for several hours a night primarily to socialise with friends using Instant Messenger and social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Bebo.

40% of 8 - 11 year-olds and 71% of 12 - 15 year-olds say they browse the web on their own and unsupervised with 57% reporting contact with some form of online pornography.

There is evidence, too, of young people's ability to get round such controls as are in place. A 14 year-old boy told the researchers: we have restrictions at school but we can just get an administrator's account and get round them and a 15 year-old girl reported everyone lies about their age 'cos I think it's like if you're under 18 your profile gets set to private.

The report's purpose is to address growing concerns about child safety online while ensuring that the opportunities the internet offers to young people are not restricted.

Reporter: Daivd Bartlett (RoFTRA)

Date article online: 14/04/2008