Dear friends,

This year’s Blogathon has come to an end.

On 12 February 2008, members of the Insafe network and other organisations from 28 countries worldwide responded to the invitation to blog on the theme “Life online is what YOU make of IT”: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Korea, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, the United States. Newcomers were Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, Romania and Uruguay.

Bloggers from around the world agree that the internet is a great tool if used astutely. Privacy, personal data, respect, digital literacy and the role of parents and teachers are just a few of the issues illustrated in postings that offer particularly interesting reading. The 253 comments recorded in the course of the week succeeding Safer Internet Day provide ample proof of this.

This year’s blogging marathon shows a keen interest in discussing life online and addressing questions that spring from it. This makes us think that Insafe should take on the challenge of extending the dialogue around this year’s theme as there seems to be a genuine need for exchange of views and practice internationally - global issues requiring global thinking.

Thank you all for contributing to the success of the fifth Safer Internet Day. Keep informed on Insafe, rendez-vous at: www.saferinternet.org

See you online!

Posted by Insafe at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

La problemática de la pornografía infantil en Bolivia, cobra preocupante vigencia pués en varias ocasiones se menciona a nuestro país como una instancia de distribución de este material. Se suma a ello, la información que brinda la Fuerza Especial de Lucha Contra el Crimen - FELCC de la Policía Nacional, acerca de la venta de este tipo de material en diversas regiones del país.
La pornografía infantil atenta la dignidad de NNA, es un delito que requiere de manera urgente una estrategia de prevención, fortalecimiento de las acciones de sanción y control; y de atención integral a las víctimas.En este marco Proadolescentes Bolivia, es una organización que apoya la defensa y promoción de los derechos de NNA de nuestro país y tiene gran interés de apoyar al estado boliviano en la construcción de políticas y la implementación de acciones que contribuyan al bienestar y desarrollo integral de NNA.

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Beyond Borders is a non-political, non-religious volunteer organization which advances the rights of children to be free from abuse and exploitation without regard to race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. www.beyondborders.org/

Beyond Borders congratulates Canadian Centre for Child Protection and joins in launching International Safer Internet Day.
Today,they start the distribution of nearly 3 million Internet safety brochures throughout the Canadian school system.

PDF Safety brochures
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Au-delà des frontières est un organisme bénévole sans but politique ou religieux qui fait progresser les droits qu’ont les enfants d’être protégé contre les mauvais traitements et l’exploitation, sans égard à la race, à la religion, au sexe ou à l’orientation sexuelle. www.beyondborders.org/

Au-delà des frontières félicite Le Centre canadien de protection de l'enfance et se joint à eux pour le lancement de la Journée international de Sécurité à l'Internet.
Aujourd'hui, ils commencent la distribution dans tous le système scolaire du Canada, de plus de 3 millions d'exemplaires de leurs brochures sur la sécurité à l'Internet

Brochures PDF à télécharger
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One of the biggest challenges parents and educators face in dealing with the online world is how much more comfortable with it young people generally are. Feeling like immigrants to a world where their children are natives can be a big obstacle to parents and teachers when they try to teach their children about safe and responsible Internet use.

According to research by Canada’s leading media education organization, Media Awareness Network, the existence of household rules about Internet use had a significant effect on online behaviour: for instance, rules about not visiting inappropriate sites reduced the frequency of those visits from 43 percent of Grade Six students polled to 14 percent. Unfortunately, the majority of students polled said that they had never discussed any online activity other than viewing or downloading music and videos. Even more worryingly, in most cases parents talk to their children less often as the children get older, and the number of household rules decreases. This is happening just as young people are becoming exposed to more and more risky behaviour: by Grade Eleven, one-third of both boys and girls have met online acquaintances in person.

Devenir e-parent is a free resource designed to help parents feel more comfortable and confident talking to their children about the risks and responsibilities of being online. The program’s host, Alice, leads you through a variety of online environments with interactive questions and interviews with experts and young people. The entire program is thirty minutes long, but can be done one module at a time: the five modules are “Research and Homework,” “Online Relationships,” “Inappropriate Content,” “Online Marketing” and “Cyber-Addiction.” Finally, the “Family Internet Contract” allows parents to choose, along with their children, appropriate household Internet rules for their families.

Le problème avec Internet, c'est que les jeunes y sont tellement plus à l'aise que leurs parents ou leurs éducateurs ! Les adultes sont des émigrants dans ce monde digital où leurs enfants sont nés, et ceci est sans aucun doute un obstacle, lorsqu'il s'agit de guider les jeunes dans une utilisation responsable et sécuritaire du Net.

Selon la recherche menée par le Réseau Education-Médias, organisme leader en éducation aux médias au Canada, le fait d'énoncer des règles familiales claires dans l'utilisation d'Internet à la maison a un réel impact sur le comportement en ligne : par exemple, une règle interdisant de visiter des sites inappropriés réduit les visites de 43 à 14 pour cent, chez les élèves de 6è secondaire. Malheureusement, la majorité des élèves interrogés déclarent n'avoir jamais discuté avec leurs parents de leurs activités en ligne, à part celles concernant le téléchargement de musiques et de vidéos. Qui plus est, la surveillance des parents se relâche -ainsi que les règles - au fur et à mesure que l'enfant grandit. Or, ceci se produit justement au moment où le jeune expérimente avec des comprtements riqués : à la fin du secondaire, un tiers des jeunes aura rencontré en personne quelqu'un qu'ils ont connu en ligne.

Devenir e-Parent est une ressource gratuite dont le but est de guider les parents dans l'univers digital de leurs enfants, afin qu'ils puissent aborder avec eux les risques et les responsabilités inhérents à la vie digitale. L'hôtesse ce tutoriel, Alice, vous emène dans une viste guidée du Web des jeunes. Exploration d'environnemnet divers y alterne avec questions interactives et entretiens de spécialiste ou de jeune. Le tutoriel dure 30 minutes, mas peut être effectué module par module -il y a cinq modules : recherche et devoirs, relations en ligne, contenus inappropriés, cybermarketing, et cyberdépendance. Enfin, vous êtes invités à choisir avec votre enfant, parmi une liste de règles concernant l'utilisation d'Internet à la maison, votre "cyber-entente familiale".

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Life online is what YOU make of it – never has it been more true than now. We are watching the Web evolve from a viewable resource into a user-centric environment where the user can essentially dictate his/her own experience. To the new way of thinking, read-only Web sites are out, with the focus being on interactive services such as wikis, blogs, video sharing, virtual communities, and social networks, allowing the user/viewer to interact rather then be a passive receiver.

“Web 2.0” theory is about an “architecture of participation,” a term coined by author and open-source supporter, Tim O'Reilly, in 2004. In this environment, visitors have a stake in content through their own interaction. If you think about it, the evolution of the Internet has mirrored the evolution of education. Research has proven that teacher-centered education, in which students are treated as passive vessels waiting to be filled by lecture and instruction, is ineffective and therefore learner-centered education has become the focus, allowing the learner a stake in his/her education through engaging activities, discussion, self-directed learning and processes that allow a scaffolding of knowledge. With the internet mirroring a similar evolution, opportunities for integrating internet and classroom education abound, allowing us to actively model safe and responsible behavior and create/dictate a positive, rewarding student experience.

It is likely that the term, “Web 2.0” will become passé, overwritten by even newer technologies and theories. The important goal is not to adopt new terminology, but to recognize that the digital world is becoming more interactive and user controlled. Life online really IS what we all make of it, a thought that suggests both optimism for technologies and a warning to remain conscious of integrating safety into online activity.

Click to download Flyer Download file

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På Det Grønlandske Landsbibliotek i Nuuk ønsker vi også at markere Sikker Internet Dag. Vi vil bl.a. afholde en lille quiz om sikker chat. Vi vil vise de officielle YouTube film om sikker internet. Vi har desuden en udstilling hvor lånerne kan få gode råd og vejledning om børns færdsel på nettet.*

*Nunatta Atuagaateqarfiani Nuummiittumi Isumannaatsumik Internettimik atuinerup ullua malunnartinniarparput. Ilaatigut unammisitsiniarpagut apeqqutinik Isumannaatsumik Internettimik atuinissamut nalorsittaarutinik. Isumannaatsumik Internettip atornissaa pillugu YouTube-p pisortatigoortumik filmiliai takutittarniarpagut. Kiisalu saqqummersitsiniarpugut ilitsersuutinik siunnersuutinillu Isumannaatsumik Internettimik atuinissamut tunngasunik*

Det Grønlandske Landsbiblioteks Hjemmeside/

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INHOPE is the International Association of Internet Hotlines and was founded in 1999 under the EC Safer Internet Action Plan.

The mission of the INHOPE Association is to support and enhance the performance of Internet Hotlines around the World, ensuring swift action is taken in responding to reports of illegal content making the internet a safer place.

Over the last decade the Internet has changed the way we communicate, the way we do business and ultimately the way we live. Unfortunately, there is also a downside to the Internet and the last number of years has seen an increase in illegal content online.

Hotlines have a key role to play in tackling the problems mentioned above and therefore making the Internet a safer place. They offer an easy way for the public to report suspected illegal sites and content they find on the Internet. Each report is reviewed by a content analyst and origin on the internet is traced and action is taken to ensure swift response.

Illegal activity on the Internet is a cross border problem that no one organisation can effectively tackle alone. Internet Hotlines have proven to be an effective first line of defence against illegal activity online.

INHOPE represents Internet Hotlines all over the world, supporting them in their aim to respond to reports of illegal content to make the Internet safer.

Click here to find out more about INHOPE at www.inhope.org

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Chile es uno de los países latinoamericamos con mayor penetración de las nuevas tecnologías, las que han modificado las conductas de las personas en los más diversos ámbitos.
Este es uno de los motivos principales por los que nuestra institución, la ONG Paicabí (www.paicabi.cl) decidió abordar el tema de la seguridad en internet gracias a un proyecto apoyado por Save the Children.
La idea fue diseñar un sitio web sobre los riesgos que pueden existir cuando se navega en internet o se utilizan algunas de sus principales herramientas, presentando contenidos orientados a la comunidad escolar.
Se crearon secciones diferenciadas para alumnos y profesores, usando como base las experiencias de otros países y adaptando el lenguaje y las temáticas a la realidad chilena.
Como nuestra intención era que se trabajara en los colegios, firmamos un convenio con el Ministerio de Educación para difundir y presentar el sitio web en los establecimientos educacionales de la Región de Valparaíso (Chile). Conseguimos bastante difusión y apoyo, y pretendemos continuar con el trabajo durante el año 2008, ampliando los contenidos y realizando talleres de capacitación para todos los agentes de la comunidad escolar.
Temas Centrales
Nuestro enfoque para abordar la seguridad en internet fue señalar que las nuevas tecnologías ofrecen a las personas grandes posibilidades en términos de sus usos apropiados, pero para que estos se hagan realidad hay que poner atención a los peligros a los que se exponen los niños y niñas que se enfrentan sin supervisión a la red.
Los temas centrales que trabajamos con los niños fueron el anonimato y la veracidad de los contenidos presentes en internet. Nuestra ONG trabaja en el tema del abuso sexual infantil, en prevención y atención directa, por lo que llamamos la atención sobre los peligros a los que se puede exponer un niño o niña que se encuentra con un adulto en un chat o a través del Messenger, sin saber que es un adulto y sin conocer sus verdaderas intenciones.
Este es en pocas palabras nuestro proyecto, que tenemos la intención de seguir desarrollando y que desde Chile (y desde una de sus regiones, Valparaíso, no desde la capital) pretende aportar al tema de la seguridad en internet, particularmente para proteger a nuestros niños y niñas.
Felicitaciones por la iniciativa.

Alejandro Arredondo Ossandón
Encargado de Comunicaciones y RR.PP.
ONG Paicabí - Chile

Imágenes del Lanzamiento del Sitio Web. El director ejecutivo de la ONG Paicabí, Iván Zamora junto al representante regional del Ministerio de Educación. Viña del mar, Chile, Diciembre de 2007.

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erarbeitet und verabschiedet im Rahmen der ExpertInnentagung
“Daten- und Persönlichkeitsschutz als pädagogische Aufgabe im Web_2.0“,
Januar 2008 in Josefstal
Zu finden auch unter: mac2null.de

Aktuelle Internet-Anwendungen, kurz „Web_2.0“ genannt, bieten neue, attraktive und interaktive Möglichkeiten, verbunden mit minimalem technischen Aufwand bei der Nutzung:
In boomenden virtuellen „social networks“ wie ‘StudiVZ’, ‘SchülerVZ’, ‘Lokalisten’, ‘MySpace’ u.v.m. veröffentlichen sich über Profilseiten Menschen jeden Alters – von Kindern bis zu Senioren, schließen sich zahllosen Themengruppen an. So entstehen neuartige Chancen der Präsentation, Kontaktaufnahme und des Spielens mit der eigenen Identität. Die Utopie aus den Kindertagen des Radios, dass aus bloßen ‘Empfängern’ von Massenmedien künftig Jederman/-frau auch ‘Sender’ werden solle (Enzensberger, Brecht), ist Gegenwart und Chance geworden.

Aus medienpädagogischer Sicht

wird der aktive und kompetente Umgang mit diesen digitalen Medien daher ausdrücklich begrüßt, werden eigene Web_2.0-Plattformen gestaltet, die kritische Auseinandersetzung zum Thema gefördert und ein experimenteller Umgang mit neuen Technologien unterstützt und evaluiert. Ziel dabei ist die Nutzung des Potentials von Web_2.0, die Sensibilisierung zum Umgang mit persönlichen Daten in sozialen Netzwerken sowie die Partizipation von Menschen aller Altersgruppen und Bildungsmilieus.

Wir fordern für die Bildungsarbeit:

* Medienpädagogische Projekte und Aktionsformen für die außerschulische und schulische Bildungsarbeit für unterschiedliche Zielgruppen zu konzipieren und umzusetzen.
* Qualifizierung und Förderung des fachlichen Austausches über Fortbildungen und Fachveranstaltungen für Interessierte aus der Bildungsarbeit.
* Erfahrungstransfer über didaktische Materialien für Eltern und PädagogInnen
* Beiträge zur Thematik in Internetportalen im Bildungsbereich

Zur Aufgabe von PädagogInnen

gehören der Erwerb vom Wissen und Handlungskompetenz im Gebrauch digitaler Medien, aktive Beteiligung und Gestaltung solcher Lern-, Spiel- und Kommunikationsräume - auch wenn dies in Spannung zur eigenen Mediensozialisation stehen mag. Nur dann werden kritische Anfragen an ebenfalls beobachtbare Mängel und Wildwuchs angesichts des rasanten Wandels glaubwürdig. Jugendschutz bleibt nötig, kann aber nur wirksam sein, wenn er sachkundig geleistet wird.

Nachholbedarf der Betreiber

bei der Gestaltung des Schutzes der Privatsphäre ihrer Mitglieder sehen wir bei einigen Plattformen für virtuelle soziale Netzwerke. Dies erstaunt, da seit den Anfangstagen der EDV zumindest Fachleuten bekannt ist, dass an die Stelle einstiger –schutzgebender- technischer Grenzen soziale und legislative Grenzen treten müssen. Als neues Grundrecht wurde daher vor über 20 Jahren das „Recht auf informationelle Selbstbestimmung“ definiert. Denn die grundgesetzlich geschützte Privatsphäre ist bedroht oder geht verloren, wenn Informationen, die für einen Lebenssektor (etwa im Freundeskreis) gegeben wurden, ohne Zustimmung in einem anderen Lebenssektor (dem Erwerbsleben beispielsweise) publiziert werden.

Wir fordern daher von Plattform-Betreibern, nutzerfreundliche ‘Räume’ zu schaffen, die die Daten- und Persönlichkeits-Rechte der NutzerInnen achten, wahren und schützen:

* „Social networks“ (Personen-Netzwerke / Verzeichnisse) müssen so gestaltet sein, dass sie von jederman/-frau ohne Fachwissen genutzt werden können. Verborgene Risiken müssen sichtbar markiert werden; „Beipackzettel“ und AGBs reichen dafür nicht aus. Benutzerfreundliche Warnungen im Kontext sind nötig.
* Datensicherheit und Persönlichkeitsschutz müssen als Produktvorteil von Web-Communities zertifiziert ausgewiesen werden können.
* Produkthaftung für Hersteller und Anbieter von „Web_2.0“ -Dienstleistungen ist nötig, statt den UserInnen nicht-praktikable Vorsichtsmassnahmen zuzumuten.

Aus gesellschaftspolitischer Perspektive

ist zu begrüßen, dass Bürger durch die Nutzung der „Social networks“ sich zwanglos mit deren Bedingungen auseinandersetzen müssen. So entsteht u.a. ein zunehmendes Verständnis für die konkrete Bedeutung des Rechts auf informationelle Selbstbestimmung, gegenüber den Wünschen der Wirtschaft wie den gesetzlichen Vorgaben des Staates.

Sicherheit in der Informationsgesellschaft ist im Rahmen rechtsstaatlicher Normen zu gewährleisten. Notwendigkeit und Berechtigung immer neuer Eingriffe werden damit in der Informationsgesellschaft notwendigerweise auch zu Themen von Bildungsarbeit mit digitalen Medien.

Posted by Netbridge, AT at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GURISES UNIDOS es una organización no gubernamental del Uruguay que trabaja desde 1989 por la defensa de los derechos de los niños/as y adolescentes. Desde nuestros comienzos las acciones están dirigidas a la niñez y adolescencia en situación de vulnerabilidad y exclusión social, especialmente a aquellos/as niños, niñas y adolescentes en situación de calle. LAs acciones son desarrolladas anivel nacional (atención directa, advocacy, sistematización, formación, etc) y a nivel internacional particando activamente en la defensa de DDNN y actualemnte coordinanado la red regional de ONGs de niñez (redlamyc) .
Tenemos como objetivo mejorar la calidad de vida de estos niños/as y adolescentes promoviendo su inclusión en diversos ámbitos, sociales o institucionales, de los cuales muchas veces se encuentran excluidos. Uno de los espacios que presenta dificultad es al acceso a las nuevas tecnologías, es por ello que desde hace varios años nos encontramos implementando propuestas en coordinación concentros de educación en informática. Se trata de generar un espacio donde las /los niños, niñas y adolescentes tengan una experiencia de formación en el manejo informático y que aquellos de sectores mas vulnerados tengan la posibilidad de integrarse a un Instituto de formación y educación distinto a los que ellos/as transitan comúnmente.

En el trabajo de todos estos años internet es una de las áreas que reviste mayor interés para las y los adolescentes participantes de la propuesta. Sin lugar a dudas el acceso a internet supone una gran oportunidad para la adquisición de nuevos conocimientos, saberes e implica nuevos aprendizajes para la comunicación e interacción con otras personas pero sin perder de vista que se debe trabajar para su uso seguro y responsable, lo cual también debe ser otro de los aprendizajes. Los/as operadores sociales de Gurises Unidos acompañan a los /as niños, niñas y adolescentes en las clases de forma de acompañar y facilitar el proceso que incluye la concientización de que internet debe ser usada en forma responsable. Entendemos que la información y el acceso a las nuevas tecnologías es parte del ejercicio de ciudadanía pero también es un mundo que puede presentar peligros por lo cual es fundamental brindar a los niños, niñas y adolescentes herramientas para fomentar su uso seguro y responsable.

Por otra parte, en noviembre pasado tuvimos la oportunidad de participar en el "Encuentro Regional de Organizaciones Sociales por el Derecho de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes de América Latina al Uso Seguro y Responsable de las TICs", co organizado por ECPAT y Save the Children Suecia. Esta actividad fue de mucha importancia no solo por ser la primera experiencia regional sobre el tema sino también porque nos brindó nuevas herramientas para poder seguir pensando en esta temática. Obtuvimos conceptos teóricos sobre los nuevos espacios de socialización relacionados a las Nuevas Tecnologías en los que niñas, niños y adolescentes interactúan, intercambiamos saberes y experiencias implementadas en la Región que buscan promover un uso responsable de las TICs en los niños, niñas y adolescentes, en definitiva, nos aunamos en el compromiso de promover el derecho a un uso responsable y adecuado de las TICs.

Para finalizar nos es muy importante plantear la preocupación de que toda esta área referida al uso seguro y responsable de las TICs no se encuentra lo suficientemente desarrollada en nuestro país y creemos que es una prioridad el profundizar en ella. Seguramente estos días de intercambio nos brinden insumos para fortalecernos!!!!

Valeria Ramos
Gurises Unidos
Montevideo, Uruguay
guasag@gurisesunidos.org.uy
www.gurisesunidos.org.uy
www.redlamyc.info

Posted by ECPAT International, TH at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In 2007 the Dutch hotline for combating child abuse images of children, launched the website www.helpwanted.nl. Since then thousands of internet users have clicked through the website or made a report on sexual child abuse on the internet.

Helpwanted.nl
Because of an increasing amount of reports of sexual abuse through chat and webcam, the Dutch hotline created www.helpwanted.nl. With the introduction of www.helpwanted.nl youngsters are able to act promptly in case of a bad experience on the internet. They can report their problem through filling in a clear and detailed reporting form. The team of the Dutch Hotline deals with the report.

Unique site
The site also provides information on safer internet and contains an overview of all the relevant organisations where parents and children can find help should they need this. The site has a q&a section and young people can also send in their question through e-mail in case they can’t find the answer in the q&a section.

Mediacampaign
The Dutch Hotline is now working on a media campaign around the website www.helpwanted.nl. Part of the campaign will be a commercial for national television, posters, flyers and factsheets. The kick off will be in June this year during a symposium regarding ‘grooming’.
Various websites for youngsters support already the initiative of www.helpwanted.nl and carry a banner on their website.

Posted by Meldpunt Kinderporno op Internet, NL at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Introduction

The Gambling Commission is a Belgian government body. It has a key role in the gambling goings-on and is also competent for the protection of the gamblers and thus also for everything that has to do with gambling addiction. This contribution to the SID will limit itself to the concern for the excessive offer of unsafe and unfair gambling sites to which under-aged people are also bluntly confronted.

Everybody knows that a lot of gambling sites, just as erotic sites, are in the hands of criminal organisations. They accumulate their earnings from tax havens. For them only one thing counts : to earn as much money as possible in a minimum of time. With bright colours, the sound of monies falling, dollar- and euro signs and staggering prizes, they drag gamblers along with them to a world of dreams. Nobody however controls the honesty of their games. It is obvious that the payback rates of the “teasers” – the free games they offer – is much higher than that of the paying games. This is pure deception. Moreover, nobody knows what happens with the personal and identification data of the clients and the information of their payment cards, and even less if an age control of the participants is performed. Also, no information on gambling addiction is to be found on these sites.

Online gambling is an international reality which must be dealt with at that same level. The different national authorities must work with the European Union on this issue and develop a common policy. The sector also will have to take up its responsibilities. This is the only way guarantees can be ensured for a safe and acceptable gambling offer.

A socially responsible online gambling offer is what WE make of it. Online gambling as a pleasant recreation is what YOU make of it.

David Matthys
The Gaming Commission
Kantersteen 47
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: 02/504.00.49.
E-mail: david.matthys@just.fgov.be
www.gamingcommission.fgov.be

Complete text

The Belgian Gambling Commission was set up by the Act of 7 May 1999 on games of chance. It takes decisions on the licences’ applications for casinos and gambling halls. When during controls infringements of the law are established, it can withdraw the licence. Beside this, it gives advises on games of chance to anybody who asks for it. The Commission is also competent for the protection of the gamblers. Also our contribution to the SID will limit itself to a number of considerations on safe online gambling.

A coherent and efficient protection policy is only possible through a complete canalisation of the whole gambling offer. Everything which falls under the general term “game of chance”, must be regularized in the same way.

In Belgium, games of chance are prohibited but this prohibition is softened by some exceptions. Casinos, gambling halls and games of chance offered in bars and pubs are authorised within certain limits and provided a licence has preliminary been granted by the Commission. This approach is clear but outdated. The recent online gambling “boost” is a good example hereof. Online gambling is illegal in Belgium. Even though judicial actions have already been undertaken by different services, it seems that there has been no follow up up to now. The law is strict, its implementation a lot less. In every respect, it is a fact that, even if the majority of the servers are based in tax havens, the participation to the game, the stake and the advertising for the game, all occur in Belgium. Also the addiction problems arise in the land of residence.

The question is: will an adapted national legislation provide sufficient relief. Online gambling is an international issue which must be addressed at this level. A transparent international regulation is an essential condition for an efficient protection of the gamblers. In December 2007, the Gambling Commission has approved a note concerning online gambling. This note considers this issue from an objective as well as legal point of view. Proposals are given to handle this problem at a penal and international level.

Currently, poker is undoubtedly the most popular game of chance. Just as in the rest of the world, the number of poker sites increases rapidly also in Belgium. Everybody agrees on the X-factor of the game (its special attribute), but the attention is never drawn on the possible danger that is hidden behind. Beside the fact that one can get lost in the game, this game often opens the door to other games of chance. We are talking here about a kind of “snow bowl effect”. Also the popularity of videogames should not be underestimated and should also be regarded as a possible step towards online gambling.
Some sites also offer free games. Consequently, switching over to a paying site is made easier and consequently more rapid. Free games often have higher payback rates than paying ones whereby the gambler is misled. Moreover there is no control on what happens with the personal and identification data of the clients and the information of their payment cards.

In Belgium, games of chance are prohibited for under 18 year olds. Yet, studies by the CRIOC (the Belgian Information and Research Centre of Consumers’ Organisations) and the VAD (Association for Alcohol and other Drug Problems) show that already 40 % of school aged youngsters between the age of 12 and 18, had already participated in games of chance. These results date from 2005 and 2006 and obviously, do not reflect online gambling alone. In the light of the increasing popularity of videogames and poker, as well as of the rapid development and accessibility of the Internet, we can presume that the same kind of survey today could reveal even more alarming results. In order to avoid misunderstandings, the Commission will carry out a survey on online gambling in the next few months.

The authority and the European Union must at least provide for a safe gambling framework, where the gambler can participate in the game with confidence. The sector also will have to take up its responsibilities. This is the only way for it to gain credibility. A possibility would be to grant sites a quality label when they fulfil specific conditions, use approved software’s and take initiatives to protect the gamblers. Another possibility would be to allow the gambler to determine a maximum gambling budget for himself or to ask for an international prohibition to gamble. When participating in online gambling, pop-ups could regularly inform the gambler on what is and the consequences of gambling addiction.

An integral and coherent policy and a constructive collaboration with the sector must provide the gambler with the necessary tools to make gambling a form of recreation and not a source of problems. A socially responsible online gambling offer is what WE make of it. Online gambling as a pleasant recreation is what YOU make of it.

Posted by Kansspelcommissie, BE at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

L’association E-Enfance a pour objectif de permettre aux enfants et aux adolescents de se servir des nouvelles technologies de communication (internet, téléphone mobile, jeux en réseau) avec un maximum de sécurité.

E-Enfance a aussi pour vocation de sensibiliser les parents sur les risques d’internet et de les conseiller dans leur rôle de « cyberparent ».

Les actions d’E-Enfance

- informer et conseiller les parents et les enfants via son site www.e-enfance.org
- répondre aux inquiétudes des parents via un blog interactif www.e-enfance.org/blog qui leur permet de partager leurs témoignages et leurs expériences
- mettre en place des campagnes de sensibilisation (affiches, presse, spots TV et radio)

- réaliser 3 fois par an des tests comparatifs sur la qualité des logiciels de contrôle parental des Fournisseurs d’Accès à Internet en liaison avec le Ministère des Affaires Sociales et le Ministère de l'Education Nationale.
- développer des outils pédagogiques adaptés : création d’un DVD d’information pour les parents et les enfants : Enfants, ados : l’internet sans danger, conçu comme une émission de télévision, animé par Valérie Payet, avec la participation bénévole de Yannick Noah et Hélène Ségara (exemples positifs et négatifs sur internet, témoignages croisés parents-enfants, comment éviter les pièges, jeu interactif pour tester ses connaissances, bonus avec la campagne Famille en Ligne du Ministère de la Famille).

L’association E-Enfance développe des partenariats avec les entreprises qui souhaitent sécuriser l’accès à leurs services auprès des mineurs, ou pour lesquelles la protection de la famille est un axe majeur de leur politique de développement durable. Elle participe, avec les entreprises de télécommunication, à l’amélioration des logiciels de contrôle parental.

Enfin, E-Enfance collabore avec les pouvoirs publics : Délégation aux Usages de l’Internet, Ministère de l’Education Nationale et Ministère des Affaires Sociales.

Contacter l'association : info@e-enfance.org

Posted by e-enfance, FR at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DVD "Enfants, Ados : l'Internet sans danger" édité par l'association e-enfance

Ce DVD d’information est un outil pédagogique pour les parents et les enfants : Enfants, ados : l’internet sans danger, conçu comme une émission de télévision, animé par Valérie Payet, avec la participation bénévole de Yannick Noah et Hélène Ségara (exemples positifs et négatifs sur internet, témoignages croisés parents-enfants, comment éviter les pièges, jeu interactif pour tester ses connaissances, bonus avec la campagne Famille en Ligne du Ministère de la Famille).

Voir la bande-annonce
Download file
ou sur le site d'e-enfance www.e-enfance.org

Posted by e-enfance, FR at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

education highway betreibt mit www.eduhi.at den größten Bildungsserver Österreichs. Auf tausenden Seiten und in Datenbanken finden Lehrer und Schüler nützliche Informationen für den Unterricht und einen geführten Zugang zu interessanten Informationsquellen im weltweiten Netz. Über 40.000 ausgewählte Adressen sollen Pädagogen den Einstieg ins Internet erleichtern.

Internet-Abzocke

Tausende ÖsterreicherInnen sind in den vergangenen Monaten Opfer von vermeintlichen „Gratis“-Angeboten im Internet geworden – davon vermutlich mehr als die Hälfte Jugendliche. Nach Einschätzung der Eltern kann nur die Hälfte der Kinder kompetent mit riskanten Situationen im Internet umgehen. Dementsprechend groß ist der Informationsbedarf. Grundsätzliches Problembewusstsein und aktuelle Informationen für alle Beteiligten sind entscheidend, da laufend neue Dienste und Technologien zur Verfügung stehen.
Das Unterrichtsmaterial „Internet-Abzocke – „Gratis“-Angebote im Internet unterstützt Lehrende ganz konkret, dieses aktuelle Konsumentenschutz-Thema in den Unterricht einzubringen.

Die Lernziele des Unterrichtsmaterials sind:
• Sensibilisierung für das Problemfeld „Gratis“-Angebote im Internet
• Internetabzocke-Fallen erkennen
• Rechte und Pflichten bei Abzockseiten kennen
• Auf Zahlungsaufforderungen richtig reagieren

Der Unterrichtsbehelf wurde auf Initiative von Saferinternet.at, Internet Ombudsmann und erfahrenen Lehrenden mit Unterstützung des Bundesministeriums für Soziales und Konsumentenschutz hergestellt.
Das gesamte Material "Internetabzocke: "Gratis"-Angebote im Internet" können Sie auf www.saferinternet.at/unterrichtsmaterialien downloaden. Weitere Unterlagen für den Unterricht und Informationen zum Thema sichere Internet- und Handynutzung finden Sie auf www.saferinternet.at.

Posted by Education Highway, AT at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is great to see the work being carried out across the world on days such as this, enabling children to have a safer and more enjoyable use of the Internet. As more and more people join the world wide web, more and more it reflects the lives of its users. Unfortunately it also reflects the dangers.

As a creative space the Internet is fantastic but the digital world sometimes moves faster than the older generations can cope with. Although as professionals a lot of people can influence children in their use of the Internet it is likely the biggest influence will still be parents. Those parents amongst us will inculcate their children with 'stranger danger' in the real world and virtual world but how many of the general populace do this? Without the support of parents a lot of good work with children can be lost.

The South West Grid for Learning (a non profit making trust) have an ambitious target to reach every parent of every school child in the South West of England with an Internet Safety talk at least once a year. Incorporating a Police input the intention is to build the confidence of parents to enable them to start a dialogue with their children and begin their own Internet journey. The talk will also explain the potential dangers and provide some coping mechanism to those confused by the digital world of palm tops, Ipods, Podcasts and wifi enabled phones.

My question is..... does anyone know of any good practice, ideas or thoughts on how to entice more parents into the digital world through schemes such as this? I know that many of the parents that attend our sessions are those that have already engaged or intend to engage in their childs safety on line. It is those that do not see the electronic babysitter and open access to the web in the bedroom of younger children and other inappropriate usage as a problem.

This is of course not the only issue, I have not seen any other postings yet and look forward to seeing new ideas. It will be great if this forum enlarges the dialogue and opens minds to good practices in keeping our children safe. Thanks for your time in reading this.

Pc Alan Earl - Avon and Somerset Police.

Posted by Thinkuknow, UK at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Based on our current review of European data on young people’s experience of the Internet the following observations emerge:

Advice and guidance to teenagers online is sorely needed, especially in some countries new to the internet or where teenagers’ experiences are ‘ahead’ of their ability to cope

Giving out personal information online does not always result in greater risk, but it may – care is needed in targeting advice depending on cultural and individual circumstances

Although children and young people are delighted with the opportunities open to them on the internet – especially for social networking – many of them are giving out personal information without realising who might see it. As a result, our research has found substantial amounts of bullying, harassment and unwanted sexual messages, which is very distressing for some.

Professor Sonia Livingstone, director of EU Kids Online, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

EU Kids Online is the first systematic European comparison of research findings from 21 countries on children and young people’s experience of the Internet and online technologies. Now in its second year, the network is funded by the EC Safer Internet Plus Programme.EU Kids Online is at http://www.eukidsonline.net. Countries included are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom.

Posted by EU Kids Online, UK at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

WISE KIDS believes that digital and Internet literacy is a cornerstone of a knowledge economy. It is essential that young people and adults not only have access to the Internet (it is as essential as a text book in school today!), but also have the knowledge, skills and opportunities to get maximum advantage from the Internet. With the necessary knowledge and skills, they can maximise opportunities for self and community online, as well as be able to create content and services in the Web 2.0 world, and assess and manage their personal safety online. Then for each of us, life online can truly be what You/Me make of it.

In our experience of working with youth organisations, educators from primary and secondary schools and FE colleges, community groups, there is a genuine desire to be more Internet literate, and to better understand which of new Internet techologies can be used for benefit, and what literacy and safety challenges services like 3D Avatar Worlds, Messenger Programmes and Social Networking Sites present. What is hugely encouraging is the genuine desire by educators, youth leaders community groups and other professionals to reassess these technologies and to see how they can be used to engage, empower and educate young and old alike. We must be innovative in our approach to educating the young and old, as Internet literacy today is a necessary life skill. We would be very interested in working with any other group/project in this area.

WISE KIDS is a non profit organiosation, based in Wales (UK), providing training and consultancy in New Media, Internet and mobile technologies, Internet Literacy, Proficiency and Safety. WISE KIDS works with young people, youth organisation, community groups, educators (pre and post 16 sectors), governors, librarians, parents, foster carers as well as the business sector.

WISE KIDS wishes one and all a Happy Safer Internet Day 2008!
http://www.wisekids.org.uk

Posted by Wise Kids, UK at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)