The internet is a wondrous thing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It has opened up a whole new world of learning opportunities for the young - and young at heart.
People around the globe have embraced the technology and the information that it puts at their fingertips in an instant – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mobile phones are a big part of that technology bubble and provide fast and easy contact between family, friends and colleagues, and it has many positives.
There is, however, a dark side that continues to be played out in our community.
Once again police are warning our community’s most vulnerable – our children – to be careful what information or photographs they post online and send in text messages to friends.
Police arrested a 15-year-old boy on Thursday after a sexual act was allegedly filmed on a mobile phone and sent to other teenagers. The incident involved a 14-year-old girl.
This prompted police to remind teenagers that it is a criminal offence to disseminate any material depicting nudity or sexual activity involving young people.
When Australian Federal Police cybercrime unit manager Commander Glen McEwen visited Hunter schools in 2013, he said it was critical children and their parents invested time in becoming more aware of how to create safe online experiences for young people.
“Unfortunately there are people out there who are exploiting the vulnerable and there’s so much information out there that can be gleaned from vulnerable people,” he said.
“It’s not about scaring the young folk, it’s about giving them a greater appreciation of what the internet’s all about, protecting themselves, which is quite easy and just being respectful.”
Commander McEwen is right.
Parents should once again take the time to remind their children about the consequences of such irresponsible actions.