Memorandum submitted by Wise Kids (DIW 10)

I am responding to your request for submissions to the Welsh Affairs Committee on Digital Inclusion in Wales.

In particular, I wish to comment on developments in Wales which are related to:

The risks to citizens (in particular children and young people), associated with the use of technology (including internet crime).

To give you some background, my organisation, WISE KIDS, is an independent, non-profit organisation set up in Oct 2002 to promote Innovative, Positive and Safe Internet use. WISE KIDS believes that the Internet is a vital tool in the Information Age, and provides innovative training programmes and consultancy in New Media, Internet and Mobile technologies, Internet Literacy, Proficiency and Safety.

WISE KIDS works actively with the Welsh Assembly government and other partners in Wales at a strategy and grassroots level to promote Digital Literacy and Digital Inclusion. At a grassroots level, WISE KIDS has delivered, and continues to deliver training programmes and consultancy to young people, youth organisation, educators (pre and post 16), governors, librarians, parents, foster carers, community projects, public and private sector organisations, who wish to understand New Internet Technologies, and use them innovatively, effectively and safely.

Based on our experience, I have below, some feedback for your committee on how young people use the New Internet and Mobile Technologies, and what risks and opportunities these present. Due to time constraints, I will not go into these areas in great detail, but list instead, the relevant points and web references to further resources. I will also expand on other related developments in the UK and Wales. If this is of interest, I will be quite happy to make a presentation to your committee on these issues (I have similarly presented to the Ofcom Advisory Committee for Wales, as well as the Advisory Board of BT Wales).

Internet Access

Young people and adults today can access the Internet in a variety of ways: not only in their homes and schools, but via mobile phones, personal digital assistants, gaming devices like the X-BoxLive, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advanced PSP, Sony PS3 etc. These devices can access the Internet either via a Wireless connection, using 3G mobile broadband, or via fixed line Internet access.

Safety Issues

The fast changing nature of the Internet and Mobile broadband services mean that children and young people today are faced, as never before with both online opportunities and risks. In leading research done by Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics by, involving 1,511 9-19 year olds from around the UK, she found that children and young people who make the best use of the Internet also encounter more risks online [1].

There are many data/privacy/safety/legal issues that adults and young people who use the Internet and mobile phones should be made aware of. Some examples of these issues include:

· the issue of access to inaccurate/ illegal content online;

· the issue of access to inappropriate and sometimes dangerous content online (especially when dealing with vulnerable people);

· the issue of managing personal profiles and data online for example when using Social networking Sites (SNS);

· the issue of privacy and responsibility when using SNS;

· the issues of inappropriate contact and grooming via chat services like Messenger;

· the issues of appropriate net-etiquette, responsibility and laws online;

· the issue of deceptive marketing practices;

· the issue of identity theft, spam email, spyware, phishing scams, viruses and Trojans (eCrime issues).

· the issue of where to report incidents related to Internet safety

The Internet as a Vital Resource

The Internet is a vital and wonderful resource and global meeting place with the potential to transform how we learn, connect to each other, collaborate and develop businesses. It is imperative that our young and old alike be given the necessary information and skills so that they are able to maximise online opportunities, whilst maintaining their personal security.

Fast changing developments in Internet services and new Web 2.0 technologies (and cloud computing) in recent years mean that the younger generation have far greater opportunities to access information, and develop knowledge in more connected and innovative ways. Also web-based services like Google Documents/ Google Spreadsheet are free to use, and these services offer great costs savings for those who cannot afford the more expensive equivalent software. This helps bridge the digital divide between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'. Within WISE KIDS our key philosophy is empowerment via technology, and all our programmes aim to showcase how Internet and related technologies can enhance every aspect of our life from learning to entertainment, from personal development to business development.

Recent Government Developments related to Internet Safety

UK Council for Child Safety on the Internet (UKCCIS)
(http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/ukccis/)

In Sept 2007 Dr Tanya Byron was asked by the Prime Minister, Gordan Brown, to conduct an independent review looking at the risks to children from exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the Internet and in video games. One of the main developments as a result of the Byron review is the development of a UK Council for Child Safety on the Internet. The Council will oversee the implementation of the recommendations from the Byron Review. See http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/index.shtml for full report etc.

Welsh Context for UKCCIS

UKCCIS has an Executive Board of 21 members which include representatives from industry, the third sector, law enforcement, Government Departments, the devolved administrations and other key players. In Wales, Mike Clancy from the Welsh Assembly Government Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) sits on the Executive Board. The wider council has more than a 100 members.

Other members on UKCCIS from Wales are:

· Kerry Darke WAG

· Sangeet Bhullar (WISE KIDS)

· Elaine Richards (Office of the Children's Commissioner for Wales)

Older UK Internet Safety Developments

Home office Internet Safety Task Force
The Home Office Internet Safety Task Force was set up in March 2001. Amongst other things, the Task Force funded many high level campaigns to raise public awareness of Internet Safety issues, as well as developed guidelines for the industry. The Task force has now been super seeded by UKCCIS.

CEOP (http://www.ceop.gov.uk)
In April 2006, the UK Government decided to fund the development of a one stop agency to deal with Child Sex Abuse (online and offline) named CEOP - Centre for Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre. CEOP also currently acts as the UK Node for the EU Safer Internet programme: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/index_en.htm

Internet Watch Foundation (http://www.iwf.org.uk )
In the UK, we are also fortunate to have the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) - a dedicated Hotline to report illegal content. The IWF in an independent, self-regulatory body, established in 1996 by the UK internet industry to act as a one stop 'Hotline' for public and IT professionals to report potentially illegal online content and to be the 'notice and take-down' body for this content.

BECTA's role and Internet Safety Education in schools in Wales

Since the summer of 2002, BECTA, the British Educational and Communications Technology Agency, have worked closely with DCSF (then DfES -Department for Education and Skills) in promoting Internet Safety. In recent years, in collaboration with English LSCBs, BECTA have created some very useful documents on eSafety and a toolkit for Local Safeguarding Children's Boards. See http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=is

GetSafeOnline (http://www.getsafeonline.org)

In October 2005, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (now SOCA - the Serious Organised Crime Agency) and a number of key UK Government Departments, together with a number of high-profile private sector partners, launched an Internet security awareness campaign called the Get Safe Online, which is constantly updated, and which has very useful resources.

Mobile Operator's Code of Conduct
In January 2004, through pressure applied by Child Internet Safety groups, the mobile operators in the UK published a Code of Practice for the self-regulation of new forms of content on mobiles. One of the commitments in the Code was that the mobile operators would appoint an independent classification body to provide a framework for classifying commercial content that is unsuitable for customers under the age of 18.

PhonepayPlus (taken over from ICSTIS) (http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk)

PhonepayPlus is the regulator for phone pay services (products or services that are charged to users' phone bills or pre-pay accounts). Examples of these include competitions, TV voting, help lines, adult entertainment, downloads, new alerts or interactive games. PhonepayPlus deals with thousands of complaints every year due to misleading promotions, customers being sent (and charged for) promotional text messages, and other issues. They also have special advice for parents and teens on their phone Brain website: http://teens.phonebrain.org.uk/

Wales Internet Safety Developments

In Wales there are a number of developments that will be of interest to those concerned about Internet Safety. We have, at the start of this submission, described our organisation, WISE KIDS, so we will outline some of the other developments/organisations that may be of interest.

WISP
The first is the development of the Wales Internet Safety Partnership, set up in 2006, which I currently Chair. The partnership comprises WISE KIDS, BT, the Welsh Assembly Government (officers from different departments), Urdd Gobaith Cymru, UCAC, Ofcom, NSPCC, office of the Children's Commissioner for Wales and others.

On the 20th of October 2008, WISE KIDS and WISP hosted a one day national conference in Swansea entitled, "Young People, Mobile and Internet Technologies 2008 - Maximising Opportunities, Addressing Challenges" which drew nearly 200 attendees from across the different sectors in Wales. See http://www.wisekids.org.uk/conf for webcasts from the day.

Welsh Assembly Guidance in Wales (http://esafety.ngfl-cymru.org.uk)
The conference also saw the launch of the eSafety website for teachers in Wales: http://esafety.ngfl-cymru.org.uk .The site, which is Welsh Assembly Government funded, will host Welsh Assembly Government guidelines and resources relating to eSafety. Other Welsh Assembly Government resources on Safety which have some references to Digital technologies include the:

'Respecting Others' guidance.
http://new.wales.gov.uk/dcells/publications/publications/circularsindex/03/respectingothers/nafwc2303-e.pdf?lang=en

and the

Safeguarding Children - Working Together under the Children Act 2004

Safe Guarding in Wales
http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/childrenyoungpeople/publications/guidance/1297522?lang=en

Ofcom Wales Media Literacy Network (http://www.walesmedialiteracy.org.uk)

The Ofcom Wales Media Literacy Network was established in March 2007 in response to demand from broadcasters and learning providers. It acts as a central point of coordination for media literacy activity in Wales and to allow stakeholders the opportunity to share information. NIACE Dysgu Cymru administers the Network.

eCrime Wales (http://www.ecrimewales.com )

e-Crime Wales is a Welsh Assembly Government funded partnership of organisations and agencies committed to equipping Welsh businesses with the knowledge and tools to be able to tackle e-Crime in all its forms. They host annual conferences (eCrime summits), as well as many regional events for businesses across Wales).

What else is needed in Wales

WISE KIDS believes that we need to be actively taking steps to educate young and old alike to manage the risks and embrace the opportunities afforded by New Internet and mobile technologies. In particular we feel that in Wales, we need to be actively promoting the following agendas (which we also address through our own training programmes and consultancy currently):

· Combating media sensationalism related to news stories that cover Internet grooming, Cyber bullying, and Internet suicides. The downside of these stories is that they misrepresent and sensationalise the issues and by creating unnecessary fear, contribute to the Digital Divide.

· Education and training programmes for teachers, and parents, and those who work with young people and supervise their Internet use, both to promote positive use of the Internet as well as to help address the safety challenges that can be presented by these technologies. Research evidence strongly suggests the need for such programmes. [1][2].

· Education and training programmes for those who work in Child Protection and the Criminal Justice system. Topics should cover how online exploitation of children works, reporting mechanisms and networks for support; sharing of expertise and good practice with other child protection agencies and charities; collaboration with CEOP; effective ways in which to report and manage these incidents and issues that arise from this. Establishment of guidelines for those who work with young people and manage their Internet access in public spaces like youth clubs, drop in centres and so forth.

· Education and Internet Literacy programmes for young people that actively encourage an understanding of the Internet, its global nature, new technologies, information, tools and services that it can provide, how it integrates with mobile phone services, etc, so that young people are equipped to take advantage of these technologies. These programmes must also teach young people critical thinking skills i.e. how to recognise and manage online risks, and mobile phone risks, and ensure their personal safety online. It is recommended that such programmes be embedded in the Welsh National Curriculum. Since September 2008, there has been some guidance on eSafety in the revised ICT curriculum. However, much more detailed guidance would be very useful. .

· WISE KIDS believes that there needs to be greater awareness in Wales of the resources available from BECTA, and better engagement and cooperation between BECTA and the necessary Departments in the Welsh Assembly Government.

· WISE KIDS believes that there needs to be more research into young people's use of the Internet and mobile phones in Wales.

· WISE KIDS believes that we need to raise awareness of Internet Hotlines like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the important work of organisations like CEOP.

· WISE KIDS believes that we need to coordinate and promote proactively Internet and Mobile phone safety awareness campaigns, as incidents of mobile phone bullying in Wales (and the UK) are increasing.

Conclusion

WISE KIDS hopes that this brief overview and suggested actions will go some way towards safeguarding children in Wales, whilst ensuring their Digital Inclusion and preparing them for their Digital 'now' and 'future'. It is critical when talking about the creation of a Knowledge Economy that we realise what the barriers are in Internet adoption, and that we tackle these issues in an organised and measurable way. We need to ensure that young and old alike have the skills and knowledge to take advantage of these technologies whilst ensuring their personal safety. Appropriate training for all the relevant stakeholders from young people to parents, youth workers to child protection workers, staff in the Criminal Justice system to librarians, will cultivate confidence and better practice throughout Wales. Better cooperation with national agencies will also lead to better processes to manage these risks and ensure that children have a safer experience online.

Sangeet Bhullar

Executive Director

WISE KIDS

References

[1]http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/pressAndInformationOffice/newsAndEvents/archives/2005/Children_Online.htm

[2] http://www.wisekids.org.uk/wisekids_erf.PDF

About Sangeet Bhullar

Dr Sangeet Bhullar is the Executive Director and founder of WISE KIDS, a non-profit organisation, established in October 2002, to promote Innovative, Positive and Safe Internet use. Sangeet, who holds a BSc and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Leicester, became an advocate of Internet awareness education while living and working in Singapore, where she was first an academic, then private sector Internet training consultant. She was also an active member and trainer for the Singapore government-established Parents Advisory Group for the Internet (PAGI). She represented the organisation in a number of events.

Through WISE KIDS, Sangeet has developed and delivered resources and innovative training programmes for young people, youth organisation, educators (pre and post 16), governors, librarians, parents, foster carers, community projects, public and private sector organisations, who wish to understand New Internet Technologies, and use them effectively and safely. Two recent projects include organising and hosting a national conference on young people's use of Internet and Mobile Technology (see http://www.wisekids.org.uk/conf), and delivering a training programme for year 7 pupils across Blaenau Gwent. Sangeet also works closely with the WISE KIDS youth panel. She was an external examiner for the University of Central Lancashire's first certificate programme on Internet Safety. She has also authored a number of eSafety guideline documents (recently for the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG): http://esafety.ngfl-cymru.org.uk). She has spoken widely at many conferences and meetings in the UK, Singapore and Malaysia. She works at both a grassroots and policy level and is a member of a number of committees: the Advisory Group for the Communities@One programme, (a WAG Flagship programme to support Digital Inclusion in Wales), the BBC's Audience Council for Wales, the Ofcom Wales' Media Literacy Network Committee, the Institute of Engineering and Technology. She also chairs the multi-stakeholder Wales Internet Safety Partnership.

February 2009