Latest news with #InternetMatters
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Children struggling to cope with harms encountered online
The number of UK children experiencing some form of harm online remains high – with parents fearing the impacts of harm are getting worse, a new study says. The annual wellbeing index from online safety charity Internet Matters found that children's emotional resilience is weakening, with a rise in the number choosing to actively avoid certain platforms because of negative interactions. The survey of parents and children from 1,054 families in the UK found that the impact of the internet on wellbeing has become more extreme, with respondents reporting both the positive and negative impacts of time online have risen this year. It showed that children appear to be getting more upset when they encounter online harms – 67% of children said they had experienced harm online, which was in line with previous years, but more said they found the experience upsetting or frightening. Parents too said they felt the impacts of harm online were getting worse, in particular when it comes to graphic violent content, and unhealthy body image or eating habits – both of which saw sharp rises in being flagged as having a negative effect on their children. The survey also showed that fewer children feel safe online, with the number saying they did so dropping to 77% compared to 81% last year. Meanwhile, the most prevalent harm this year was false information, which was encountered by 41% of children, according to the study. However, the study also found that for many children, the positives of being online still outweigh the negatives. The number of children who said the internet was important for finding supportive communities rose from 44% to 50%. And parents are also getting better at tracking and understanding their children's online habits, the study said. Carolyn Bunting, co-chief executive of Internet Matters, said: 'This year's survey shows that the negative sides of online life are on the rise – particularly for vulnerable children. It is encouraging that parents are taking action, however experiences of online harm remain stubbornly high, with two-thirds of all children experiencing harm online. 'It is encouraging to see that children are making greater use of the internet to be creative, to stay active and to find community, and parents and children say the benefits of being online for children's wellbeing continue to outweigh the negatives. 'But we should be alarmed that those negatives are growing faster, that children are feeling more affected and upset by these experiences, and that parents are becoming more worried that excessive time online is negatively affecting their child's physical and mental health. 'Our Index shows there is still a very long way to go until Britain becomes the safest place in the world for children to be online. 'The Online Safety Act is a welcome and important step forward, and the new legislation can't come into effect soon enough. 'Ofcom must now fully exercise its powers and prioritise children's safety so that they can capitalise on the benefits of being online without coming to harm.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Children struggling to cope with harms encountered online
The number of UK children experiencing some form of harm online remains high – with parents fearing the impacts of harm are getting worse, a new study says. The annual wellbeing index from online safety charity Internet Matters found that children's emotional resilience is weakening, with a rise in the number choosing to actively avoid certain platforms because of negative interactions. The survey of parents and children from 1,054 families in the UK found that the impact of the internet on wellbeing has become more extreme, with respondents reporting both the positive and negative impacts of time online have risen this year. It showed that children appear to be getting more upset when they encounter online harms – 67% of children said they had experienced harm online, which was in line with previous years, but more said they found the experience upsetting or frightening. Parents too said they felt the impacts of harm online were getting worse, in particular when it comes to graphic violent content, and unhealthy body image or eating habits – both of which saw sharp rises in being flagged as having a negative effect on their children. The survey also showed that fewer children feel safe online, with the number saying they did so dropping to 77% compared to 81% last year. Meanwhile, the most prevalent harm this year was false information, which was encountered by 41% of children, according to the study. However, the study also found that for many children, the positives of being online still outweigh the negatives. The number of children who said the internet was important for finding supportive communities rose from 44% to 50%. And parents are also getting better at tracking and understanding their children's online habits, the study said. Carolyn Bunting, co-chief executive of Internet Matters, said: 'This year's survey shows that the negative sides of online life are on the rise – particularly for vulnerable children. It is encouraging that parents are taking action, however experiences of online harm remain stubbornly high, with two-thirds of all children experiencing harm online. 'It is encouraging to see that children are making greater use of the internet to be creative, to stay active and to find community, and parents and children say the benefits of being online for children's wellbeing continue to outweigh the negatives. 'But we should be alarmed that those negatives are growing faster, that children are feeling more affected and upset by these experiences, and that parents are becoming more worried that excessive time online is negatively affecting their child's physical and mental health. 'Our Index shows there is still a very long way to go until Britain becomes the safest place in the world for children to be online. 'The Online Safety Act is a welcome and important step forward, and the new legislation can't come into effect soon enough. 'Ofcom must now fully exercise its powers and prioritise children's safety so that they can capitalise on the benefits of being online without coming to harm.'
Arab News
20-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the globe, and education is no exception. From personalized learning experiences to administrative efficiency, AI is reshaping classrooms and redefining the roles of both teachers and students. However, as AI's influence in education expands, experts warn of potential drawbacks — particularly when it comes to young children. AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in education. According to a 2024 report by the UK-based digital safety organization Internet Matters, nearly 44 percent of children are currently using AI, and 54 percent have incorporated it into school assignments. The report, titled 'Artificially Intelligent? Children's and parents' views on generative AI in education,' found that teachers, too, are integrating AI into their daily tasks, with 60 percent reporting that they use the technology to enhance their work. The adoption of AI in education reflects a broader global trend. Experts at Allied Market Research project the market for AI-driven educational tools will grow from $2.5 billion in 2022 to $6 billion by the end of 2025, highlighting the increasing reliance on technology in schools. In Saudi Arabia, the government has embraced AI's potential in various sectors, including education. The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019, aims to drive innovation in AI and position the Kingdom at the forefront of data-driven economies. For educators, AI presents exciting opportunities to enhance learning experiences. 'AI has transformed education by personalizing learning experiences, allowing for tailored content that meets individual student needs,' Faleh bin Saad Al-Huqbani, director of Al-Muqaddimah Schools in Riyadh, told Arab News. By adapting content to a child's pace and learning style, AI enables more individualized instruction, helping students grasp difficult concepts with greater ease. Additionally, AI-powered tutoring systems provide real-time feedback and support, reinforcing learning outside the classroom. 'AI tools can engage children with interactive and gamified learning environments, making education more enjoyable,' Al-Huqbani added. Beyond the classroom, AI is also streamlining administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching rather than paperwork. Automated grading systems, data analysis tools, and AI-powered lesson planning are freeing up valuable time for teachers to engage with students more effectively. While AI's impact on education is largely positive, some experts caution against its overuse — especially among young children. Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo, professor of physiology at the College of Medicine at King Saud University, stresses the importance of cognitive development in early childhood, warning that excessive reliance on AI and electronic devices could have unintended consequences. 'It is not just a natural biological maturation; it is shaped by the infant's experiences and interactions with their environment,' Dr. Meo told Arab News. 'Children's cognitive development from birth to 5 years of age is critical due to rapid brain growth and acquiring initial knowledge in thinking, learning, problem-solving, language, and understanding.' Dr. Meo believes AI has an important role to play in higher education, but he does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6. 'In this age group, the most important and highly sensitive systems, nervous and endocrine systems, and their physiological processes are rapidly developing,' he said. He also pointed out potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to AI-enabled devices. 'Using AI for children at the age of 6 can cause behavioral and psychological issues,' he said. 'We cannot deny the effects of electromagnetic field radiation generated by AI-allied devices and their hazards on various body organs, including the brain, ears, and eyes, especially in infants and children.' • AI is transforming education, with 60 percent of teachers using it to automate grading, analyze data, and streamline administrative tasks. • Experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive development and reduce real-world learning opportunities. • Experts advocate balancing AI with traditional education to ensure students develop both technological and interpersonal skills. Despite these concerns, Dr. Meo acknowledges that AI is now an integral part of education and research. 'This is the era of science and technology,' he said. 'The future of digital education is extremely important in academia and research. Digital education makes knowledge easily accessible and enables students to access the same knowledge resources.' In addition to making education more accessible, AI facilitates lifelong learning and skill acquisition, helping students meet the demands of an evolving job market. However, Dr. Meo highlighted the importance of being selective in how and when AI is introduced in the classroom. 'It will be helpful at higher school and university levels rather than primary schooling,' he said. 'Digital education at primary school levels may replace real-world learning and human interaction.' While AI's impact on education is undeniable, experts agree that a balanced approach is necessary. AI should complement, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students continue to benefit from human interaction and hands-on learning experiences. 'We must balance technology with traditional teaching and learning methods,' Dr. Meo added.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mobile phone-owning 13 to 16-year-olds increasingly targeted by scams
More than two-thirds (68%) of mobile phone-owning 13 to 16-year-olds believe they have been targeted with scam text messages, a British survey has indicated. The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2, which said it had blocked 168 million suspected fraudulent texts over the past two years, with scams including fake TikTok job offers, bogus deals and discounts for popular brands, as well as fake delivery company messages. Ahead of Safer Internet Day on February 11, parents and guardians are being urged to speak to teenagers about the risks of scam texts. Among those who had received a scam text, 43% said they had clicked on a link that downloaded harmful software on to their device, while 41% had provided personal details such as their name or address. A third (34%) said they had been tricked into buying goods that never arrived, according to the Censuswide survey of more than 1,000 13 to 16-year-olds in January. Despite more than three-quarters (77%) of teenagers saying they could confidently identify a scam, when presented with a deal for a takeaway pizza, almost half (48%) thought it was real when it was fake, researchers said. Examples of scam texts reported to O2 during January included a message saying: 'Hello, I am from Tiktok Human Resources Department. We sincerely invite you to use your free time to watch TikTok videos and help to click like the videos. You can get paid by 300-800 pounds per day. We are waiting for you and look forward to working with you. Please contact us as soon as possible to get job details.' Another fake message said: 'Good news! Your account has been credited with your December winnings. View them here (with a link to a bogus website).' Virgin Media O2 has a 'find the right words' campaign with online safety experts Internet Matters. Murray Mackenzie, director of fraud prevention at Virgin Media O2, said: 'We know how convincing scammers' messages can be, with promises of too-good-to-be-true deals, discounts and job offers from well-known brands that tempt young people into clicking on dodgy links or parting with their money for items that never existed.' Ghislaine Bombusa, content and digital director at Internet Matters, said: 'This Safer Internet Day we want to arm parents with the knowledge and resources they need to keep their children safe from scams while they spend time online.' The organisations are providing parents and guardians with tips to share with teenagers: 1. Check the source is reliable. If a friend or follower sends a link from their account, verify it was actually from them by using a different platform, for example, in case their account was hacked. Remember that official-looking logos do not mean something came from that company. 2. Keep your personal information safe. If anyone online asks for personal information, payment details or any sort of action, confirm the request is genuine before doing so. Use different passwords for your accounts and anti-virus software. 3. Take time to think. If something feels off or like it is too good to be true, take time to look into it before clicking links or giving details. Red flags may include spelling errors, few reviews or low ratings, comments from others calling something a scam and an expensive item being offered for a very low price. 4. Have regular conversations. It is good to have family chats about staying safe from scams regularly in a relaxed and natural way. One way could be to try bringing up news stories or TV plotlines relating to internet safety to talk about what teenagers would do if a similar issue happened to one of their friends. Parents can also use their own experiences to discuss situations that might go wrong online. Will Gardner, director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: 'As the coordinators of Safer Internet Day 2025, we've listened closely to young people and their concerns about online scams. When deciding this year's theme, it was clear that children and young people wanted more support in navigating these threats. 'That's why on Tuesday February 11, Safer Internet Day, will focus on raising awareness about online scams. We're excited to have thousands of schools and organisations working together to reach millions of young people, supporting them, along with their parents and carers, to stay safe online.'
The Independent
05-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Two-thirds of mobile phone-owning 13 to 16-year-olds ‘targeted by scam texts'
More than two-thirds (68%) of mobile phone-owning 13 to 16-year-olds believe they have been targeted with scam text messages, a survey has indicated. The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2, which said it had blocked 168 million suspected fraudulent texts over the past two years, with scams including fake TikTok job offers, bogus deals and discounts for popular brands, as well as fake delivery company messages. Ahead of Safer Internet Day on February 11, parents and guardians are being urged to speak to teenagers about the risks of scam texts. Among those who had received a scam text, 43% said they had clicked on a link that downloaded harmful software on to their device, while 41% had provided personal details such as their name or address. A third (34%) said they had been tricked into buying goods that never arrived, according to the Censuswide survey of more than 1,000 13 to 16-year-olds in January. We know how convincing scammers' messages can be Despite more than three-quarters (77%) of teenagers saying they could confidently identify a scam, when presented with a deal for a takeaway pizza, almost half (48%) thought it was real when it was fake, researchers said. Examples of scam texts reported to O2 during January included a message saying: 'Hello, I am from Tiktok Human Resources Department. We sincerely invite you to use your free time to watch TikTok videos and help to click like the videos. You can get paid by 300-800 pounds per day. We are waiting for you and look forward to working with you. Please contact us as soon as possible to get job details.' Another fake message said: 'Good news! Your account has been credited with your December winnings. View them here (with a link to a bogus website).' Virgin Media O2 has a 'find the right words' campaign with online safety experts Internet Matters. Murray Mackenzie, director of fraud prevention at Virgin Media O2, said: 'We know how convincing scammers' messages can be, with promises of too-good-to-be-true deals, discounts and job offers from well-known brands that tempt young people into clicking on dodgy links or parting with their money for items that never existed.' Ghislaine Bombusa, content and digital director at Internet Matters, said: 'This Safer Internet Day we want to arm parents with the knowledge and resources they need to keep their children safe from scams while they spend time online.' The organisations are providing parents and guardians with tips to share with teenagers: 1. Check the source is reliable. If a friend or follower sends a link from their account, verify it was actually from them by using a different platform, for example, in case their account was hacked. Remember that official-looking logos do not mean something came from that company. 2. Keep your personal information safe. If anyone online asks for personal information, payment details or any sort of action, confirm the request is genuine before doing so. Use different passwords for your accounts and anti-virus software. 3. Take time to think. If something feels off or like it is too good to be true, take time to look into it before clicking links or giving details. Red flags may include spelling errors, few reviews or low ratings, comments from others calling something a scam and an expensive item being offered for a very low price. 4. Have regular conversations. It is good to have family chats about staying safe from scams regularly in a relaxed and natural way. One way could be to try bringing up news stories or TV plotlines relating to internet safety to talk about what teenagers would do if a similar issue happened to one of their friends. Parents can also use their own experiences to discuss situations that might go wrong online. Will Gardner, director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: 'As the coordinators of Safer Internet Day 2025, we've listened closely to young people and their concerns about online scams. When deciding this year's theme, it was clear that children and young people wanted more support in navigating these threats. 'That's why on Tuesday February 11, Safer Internet Day, will focus on raising awareness about online scams. We're excited to have thousands of schools and organisations working together to reach millions of young people, supporting them, along with their parents and carers, to stay safe online.'
