In the News

All schools will have to monitor pupils’ internet use to protect them from cyberbullying, pornography and radicalisation, under government proposals announced today.

No one fully understands the consequences of the widespread use of social media on brain development, socialisation and self-esteem, writes a leading mental health expert, which is why young teenagers should not be exposed to it

New proposals from the DfE want, amongst other measures, all schools to be required to teach online safety – would that be a good move? Should all schools be required to teach online safety? Take the poll and see the results

Every school will be forced to use internet filters and teach children about online safety under government plans to better protect pupils from exploitation and radicalisation. Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, has published a consultation looking at closing loopholes to ensure schools and colleges are keeping pupils safe when they use the internet.

Sky broadband will automatically block porn and other “adult content” by default for new customers from early next year, the company has confirmed. The firm’s Broadband Shield filtering system for adult as well as malicious content is currently optional for customers.

With schools broken up for the year, parents are being urged to be on the look-out for their children being targeted by cyber bullies.

Internet Matters ‘Pace of Change’ report shows gulf between parents and children on the web.

On 9th February 2016 the UK Safer Internet Centre are encouraging everyone to play their part and #shareaheart for Safer Internet Day!

New European data protection rules would see companies require parental consent to handle data of those under 16, effectively blocking them from social media

US based Chubb Insurance has started a new insurance scheme to help Britons deal with cyber bullying by providing personal insurance for up to £50,000. The first of its kind policy is expected to cover the cost of professional help, time off from work which includes leave for a week or more, job loss and even relocation for those who are harassed by the cyber-bullies.

A schoolgirl was reported to police for taking a Snapchat picture of her teacher during a lesson. Lauren Sloan, 13, took a photo which showed her making a 'peace' sign in front of teacher, which she captioned: 'Much hate'.

Ofsted has warned that bringing tablet computers into school can be “extremely disruptive”, just as the watchdog’s own figures reveal that nearly one in three secondaries now allow pupils to use their devices on campus.

Steve Shepherd from the Exeter-based UK Safer Internet Centre says the problem of cyber bullying is 'getting worse'.

Parents who buy electronic gadgets for their children this Christmas have been warned about the risks of online grooming following an alarming rise in reported cases.

Girls were also far more likely to be victims of cyber bullying (19%) than boys (10%), particularly when it comes to unflattering or inappropriate photographs, posted online, without permission.

The European Union launched a forum bringing together Internet firms like Google, Facebook and Twitter as well as law enforcement agencies to combat online extremism. The move comes amid growing alarm in Europe over the use of social media as a powerful recruiting tool, especially by the Islamic State group.

More must be done by government, industry, and educators to encourage respect for talented artists and creators and their contribution both to our enjoyment and the UK economy.

NICKY MORGAN has ordered a crackdown on social media in schools amid fears that Britain’s airstrikes against Isis in Syria are likely to provoke more students into becoming jihadists.

Google collects schoolchildren's personal data, including internet searches, a civil liberties group says. In a complaint to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) said the alleged practice broke both Google promises and trade rules.

Brazilians who post racist abuse online may see their words blown up and pasted onto billboards near their houses. The campaign is called "Virtual racism, real consequences" and it's backed by Criola, a civil rights organisation run by Afro-Brazilian women.