Making life online safer for Georgian children
In response, World Vision launched the ‘Keeping Children Safe Online’ project, with staff from the Imereti Area Development Programme organising information campaigns for youth, teachers and parents about safe use of the Internet.
I did not have any information about Pedophilia and did not know that giving personal information may be dangerousFor youth in this village, the computer has become the only source of entertainment.“Because of this computer lab children don’t want to go home after the lessons are over-they are sitting for hours, playing, chatting or searching for information,” said teacher Nani Verulashvili.
The three-year programme gives children and adults tips on how to ensure children enjoy the benefits of the Internet without being exposed to potential online dangers. About 2,500 people, including youth, teachers and parents will gain a better understanding on the safe use of the Internet and mobile devices. Todate 38 children and 17 youth have been included in the project.
Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science agreed to upload all the training material produced by the project, which includes brochures and an animated film to the site www.buki.ge which hosts informational and study material including an online library for school children.
Eleven-year-old Micheil has been using the Internet for several months. “For me the training was very interesting. I did not have any information about Pedophilia and did not know that giving personal information may be dangerous”.
Micheil uses Skype and Facebook as well as some online games for entertainment. “My cousin was receiving some harassing messages from a stranger- she never responded back- this is the only case that I know, “ added Micheil. Now Micheil and his peers will know that in such cases they can contact a World Vision child protection officer.
Today about 27 percent of Georgia’s population uses the Internet- the majority of whom is youth.
The information received here will help me to identify the major threats and prevent themIt has been estimated that there are more than100,000 websites worldwide containing images of children being abused. About 1 in 5 young Internet users have received unwanted sexual solicitation through the internet.
“I remember several points from the training; I should never give out personal information, meet someone whom I know only virtually, post sexually provocative photos, respond to any messages that are mean and give out my Internet password to anyone. Before I did not think about it-now I will be more careful,” said 16-year-old Liza.
In addition to publishing distasteful and potentially dangerous information, the Internet also makes children and youth vulnerable to cyber-bullying. When online, children can use anonymity to hide hurtful or harmful behaviour or use a mobile telephone, for example, to bully through text messages instead of in person.
“I came to this training with great interest because my child spends a lot time at the computer and I don’t know what kind of danger is involved. The information received here will help me to identify the major threats and prevent them,” said Marina, mother of 13-year-old Nika.
Most of the parents of school children in rural areas don’t have access to the Internet, making it more difficult for them to understand the kinds of threats associated with the Internet.
Lia, mother to a 14-year-old boy said, “Children are so attracted to the Internet, with all the possibilities this virtual world gives to them that they forget or just don’t want to think about any negative side of it and we don’t have enough information to protect them”.
The Keeping Children Safe Online project is one component of World Vision’s efforts to ensure all children are cared for, protected and participating in their schools and communities.
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I did not have any information about Pedophilia and did not know that giving personal information may be dangerousFor youth in this village, the computer has become the only source of entertainment.“Because of this computer lab children don’t want to go home after the lessons are over-they are sitting for hours, playing, chatting or searching for information,” said teacher Nani Verulashvili.
The three-year programme gives children and adults tips on how to ensure children enjoy the benefits of the Internet without being exposed to potential online dangers. About 2,500 people, including youth, teachers and parents will gain a better understanding on the safe use of the Internet and mobile devices. Todate 38 children and 17 youth have been included in the project.
Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science agreed to upload all the training material produced by the project, which includes brochures and an animated film to the site www.buki.ge which hosts informational and study material including an online library for school children.
Eleven-year-old Micheil has been using the Internet for several months. “For me the training was very interesting. I did not have any information about Pedophilia and did not know that giving personal information may be dangerous”.
Micheil uses Skype and Facebook as well as some online games for entertainment. “My cousin was receiving some harassing messages from a stranger- she never responded back- this is the only case that I know, “ added Micheil. Now Micheil and his peers will know that in such cases they can contact a World Vision child protection officer.
Today about 27 percent of Georgia’s population uses the Internet- the majority of whom is youth.
The information received here will help me to identify the major threats and prevent themIt has been estimated that there are more than100,000 websites worldwide containing images of children being abused. About 1 in 5 young Internet users have received unwanted sexual solicitation through the internet.
“I remember several points from the training; I should never give out personal information, meet someone whom I know only virtually, post sexually provocative photos, respond to any messages that are mean and give out my Internet password to anyone. Before I did not think about it-now I will be more careful,” said 16-year-old Liza.
In addition to publishing distasteful and potentially dangerous information, the Internet also makes children and youth vulnerable to cyber-bullying. When online, children can use anonymity to hide hurtful or harmful behaviour or use a mobile telephone, for example, to bully through text messages instead of in person.
“I came to this training with great interest because my child spends a lot time at the computer and I don’t know what kind of danger is involved. The information received here will help me to identify the major threats and prevent them,” said Marina, mother of 13-year-old Nika.
Most of the parents of school children in rural areas don’t have access to the Internet, making it more difficult for them to understand the kinds of threats associated with the Internet.
Lia, mother to a 14-year-old boy said, “Children are so attracted to the Internet, with all the possibilities this virtual world gives to them that they forget or just don’t want to think about any negative side of it and we don’t have enough information to protect them”.
The Keeping Children Safe Online project is one component of World Vision’s efforts to ensure all children are cared for, protected and participating in their schools and communities.
-Ends-
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