WAYNE BAKER CASE HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL “CHAT ROOM” DANGERS

A media release by William Graham AM on 3rd February 2010

“The internet allows children to connect with other people, to interact, to learn and share knowledge. It is educational, informative and can be great fun. However, the people we link-up with in cyber space, may not always be who they say they are”.

“If a middle aged person approached a teenager claiming to be 16 years old, a fan of Lady Gaga or Alicia Keys and saying “oh you must see Avatar”; they would see straight through them”.

“We make our children aware of ‘stranger danger’; emphasising that they should not accept lifts or sweets from people they don’t know”.

“But in Internet chat rooms children can not see these deceptions and can be exposed to potential danger; as highlighted in the Wayne Baker case”.

“It is important to encourage all young computer users to be aware of a need to be cautious about the personal information they input into their computer. Parents can play a major role in helping their children to surf safely, not by policing their children, but taking a positive interest in their children’s use of the internet, and in particular their visits to ‘chat rooms”.

“We do not stop our children from going out because there is the danger of them being involved in a road accident. We teach them the ‘green cross code’ or set an example by always wearing a seat belt”.

“We do not want to frighten children from exploring the vast pool of knowledge held on the internet. We need to direct their use of the internet to allow them to use it solely for their benefit”.

There are SMART rules, promoted by the NSPCC for safe use of the Internet:

S          Keep your personal details SECRET. Always keep your name, address, mobile phone number and password private.

M         Never MEET someone you have contacted in cyberspace without your parent’s/carer’s permission, and then only when they can be present.

A          Don’t ACCEPT e-mails or open files from people or organisations you don’t really know or trust – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

R         REMEMBER that someone online may not be who they say they are, if you feel uncomfortable or worried in a chat room simply get out of there.

T          TELL your parent, carer or teacher if someone or something makes you feel worried or uncomfortable.