The pace at which the Internet develops means that professionals are not always aware of the constant changes. In a childs world however they generally are!! All teachers are becoming aware of Social Networking sites like BEBO, Myspace and Facebook and the impact these sites have on the childs world and sometimes the schools. 3G Mobile phones and their ability to connect with the world wide web also introduces new and exciting vistas for technology and its employment (in many cases by children).


No one can expect to keep pace with changing technology but teachers need to be aware of some of the potential dangers, not only to the children but to themselves and their careers. The Internet has changed how children describe their schooling, giving them free range to publish thoughts and opinions that would have only previously been heard in the playground but are now often placed on the www for the world to share.

Legal Issues

Legally there are a number of issues, described below, which you may well come across…

1. The making/possession/distribution of indecent images of children

The making/possession/distribution of indecent images of children is covered by the Protection of Children Act 1978. This covers sexual abuse images of children which are often sold or exchanged by offenders via the medium of the Internet and forms the core of the work undertaken by the specialist units across the 5 South Western UK forces.


2. The Sexual Offences Act 2003

Covers amongst other wide ranging issues, arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and meeting a child following sexual grooming and causing a child to watch a sexual act. These issues can arise in places like I.M, Bebo, Myspace, chat rooms and gaming chat rooms etc.

Protection from Harassment Act - Will only be acted on by Police in extreme or serious cases. Your School should have bullying policies to deal with these issues which are best caught early.

Reporting issues such as these is vital, especially in the first two cases. As in all large organisations specialities develop and a quicker and more focused investigation can be made by the correct reporting.

Below is a flow chart reproduced from the Safety and Security booklet issued by the South West Grid for Learning which should be in every school. Please use this to aid yourself and others in ensuring good practice.

Useful Links and resources

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

For more contact details, please see our contacts section.