We’re not safe online, say kids

CHILDREN say social media firms are failing to protect them from online pornography and bullying.

In a major survey in Britain, four out of five pupils reported being worried about inappropriate material on their smartphones and tablets.

This follows calls from campaigners for governments to crack down on the content published on web giants such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Youngsters have been driven to self-harm and even suicide by internet trolls.

In 2013, the mother of schoolgirl Isobella Dix called for the closure of controversial website Ask.fm after her daughter was driven to suicide by internet trolls. The 14-yearold was found hanged after months of vile taunts.

A survey by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) found that of 1 696 young people aged 11 to 18, 1 380 – 80% – said social media sites needed to do more to protect them from unselcome content. The youngsters said they were routinely confronted by extreme pornographic images, trolling and shocking content promoting eating disorders and selfharm.

They rated Ask.fm, Omegle, IMVU and Facebook as some of the most risky sites to visit.

In the report, a 15-year-old girl said: “I hate the fact that someone can say things to you but not showing their name, can make a person feel really low and do things which they will regret.”

An 18-year-old who reviewed social community IMVU, in which users create an avatar, said: “Lots of adults are sexual through their characters, for example talking about sex and also drugs.”

Despite the risks that many children reported, 87% claimed they knew how to keep themselves safe online.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: “Children do not feel that they are shielded from upsetting, dangerous and adult content.

“It is vital parents know about their child’s online world and regularly talk with their children about how to get help if they need it.” – Daily Mail