05 | February | 2019 | "Money Can't Buy"

I listened with interest to MP Jackie Doyle-Price on Radio 4’s Today programme encouraging moves to ensure that our online world is as safe for everybody as our physical world.

Today is Safer Internet Day (https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2019) and it seems the right time to highlight Ofcom’s latest report

Ofcom – Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report 2018 major findings

TV viewing decreasing and, half of children and young people now watching on other devices and using Amazon Prime, Netflix etc. as primary source for viewing.
YouTube is most popular platform.
Online gaming increasing – involves 75% of 5-15 year olds.
TV and social media important for news, with concerns over accuracy of news reporting on social media.
Majority of 12-15’s think critically about the websites they visit, but only 33% understand search engine advertising.
Children more likely to admit exposure to unwanted experiences than last year; almost all recall being taught how to use the internet safely.
Parents say controlling ‘screentime’ has become harder; 12-15’s say they believe they have struck a good balance.
Parental concerns about the internet are increasing
Unwanted experiences:
10% of 8-11 year olds and 20% of 12-15 year olds have experienced some form of bullying.
16% of 8-11 year olds and 31% of 12-15 year olds have seen something worrying or nasty.
Almost all say they would report this to someone, often a family member

To read the report follow this link https://bit.ly/2RoqRnY

Finally, Fortnite’s grip on the gaming world is ever tightening. I am grateful to the ML parent who has drawn my attention to this recent online event. Read the article https://bit.ly/2Bv8NUr