Let us first understand that the Internet and modern communications technology can be a great force for good, a useful tool and can provide a powerful learning experience for young people.

The Internet IS used for criminal activities and it DOES contain illegal, harmful and dangerous material but then again so does your local street corner, your local school and library and just about any other place you care to think of.

To say that someone should stop using the Internet because of these nefarious activities is like saying people should stop using street corners because some of them are used for drug dealing.

Properly supervised and educated, there should be no reason why people young and old cannot use the Internet and associated techonologies to their advantage.

There are a few key rules and points to understand to make your online experience a safe and happy one. Just as you would not let your 8 year old child associate with any old stranger or enter any old house you should educate them (and yourself) as to the basic Do's and Dont's of using the Net.

Darren Dowling | webmaster@glne-scouts.org.uk

Exposure to inappropriate material

There is a wide range of material available on the internet and some of it is inappropriate for young people. This includes material that is sexual, hateful or violent in nature. It may also include material that encourages people to do something dangerous or illegal. Often you have to search this material out but it is possible that you may stumble across it on social networking sites, email, instant messaging, or even in a simple web search for innocent terms.

Physical harm

Although extremely rare it is possible that a young person may provide information that could risk their safety or the safety of others. In some cases people have used chat programs, email and instant messaging to gain a child's confidence and then arrange a face to face meeting.

Bullying

Communication mediums of all forms lend themselves easily to use by bullies or those seeking to harass someone.

Malware

For the inexperienced it can be quite easy to download a virus or other form of harmful software without realising the damage it can do to the computer or the information that could be gathered by its designer.

Legal & Financial

Without being taught strict guidelines it can be surprisingly easy to break the law (e.g. by downloading copyrighted material) or to incur a financial penalty (e.g. by giving out credit card details).

Careful with contact

Contact with young people, using a website, mailing list, text messaging, emails, instant messaging and other technology can bring a great benefit to improving communications and relationships in Scouting. However, leaders should be aware that the advice given on the ‘Yellow Card’ also applies to contact online with young people.

Wise with Websites

Websites can be an excellent resource and communication tool. Leaders should be aware of the advice given for Scouting Websites by HQ in their factsheet and should take care to only pass on links to websites that are appropriate for young people.

Extra careful with emails

Emails should always be carefully written and stick to the guidelines laid down on the ’Yellow Card’. Take time to review the content of an email and who you are sending it to before you let it loose on the internet. Do not pass on hoax emails, attachments, links to websites, jokes etc without carefully checking content and facts.

Savvy with Social Networking

Social Networking sites such as Myspace, Bebo and Facebook encourage users to ‘network’ with each other by sharing likes, dislikes, thoughts, photos and videos. Leaders need to take care when communicating with young people via these mediums that they do not engage in any activities that they would not consider doing face to face. Do not chat with young people and exchange the type of messages you would with your ‘friends down the pub’.

Tread carefully with Text Messages

Text Messaging (sending text messages via a mobile phone) can be a quick and easy method of communication. Leaders need to be aware that the content of short text messages can easily be misconstrued and need to think carefully about exchanging photos. Inappropriate content such as ‘dirty jokes’ and rude photos or videos should never be sent between leaders and young people.

Careful with contact

Instant Messaging allows you to chat in real time by using a program such as ‘MSN’ or Jabber. Leaders need to think carefully about what they are typing and need to be careful not to engage in a conversation that you wouldn’t normally have in front of other leaders and young people. It would be advisable to turn on the logging feature and keep a record of all the ‘chats’ and to report anything that was inappropriate to a responsible leader straight away.

Figure out Forums

Forums allow users to post notices up, much like an old-fashioned bulletin board. Be sure to only allow registered and verified users to post on forums and to ensure that messages are moderated and checked for content. Keep an eye on private messages sent via the forum software as well.

Juggle the Jargon

Jargon and software: Many leaders are unaware of technologies and terminologies used online. Be sure to visit the Jargon Buster page for advice and simple explanations of the terms and types of programs mentioned on this site.

No subsitute for Supervision

Make sure the computer is used in a public place. Get to know the programs the child uses, and their friends online, and how the technology works. There are filtering options available but they are far from fully effective. Nothing can beat good old fashioned adult supervision coupled with a working knowledge of the technology and dangers involved

Revise the Rules

Read all of the advice below. Make sure you understand it. If there are any terms or bits you dont quite get speak to a local expert and make sure you understand them.

Make sure there is no Public Meeting

Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure to accompany your child.

Do something about Dodgy & Dangerous Material

If you come across anything you dont like the look of online or anything you may think is illegal do something about it. Report it to one of the online agencies (see the useful links) or your local police station

Give Guidelines

Set reasonable rules and guidlines for using the computer. Discuss these with the child and make sure there is a copy nearby where they can see it. Make sure they stick to the rules.