Potential Online Risks
Can you think of some of the risks learners are likely to face while using the internet? You may have indicated safety and security issues, exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying as some of the risks students face while using the internet. Students are likely to place themselves in risky situations by:
- Giving out personal information about themselves to people they do not know;
- Posting unsuitable information online;
- Agreeing to meet people they have met only online, without speaking with a parent or teacher;
- Using provocative pseudonyms;
- Exposing passwords or not using passwords;
- Sharing passwords;
- Posting public profiles about themselves;
- Browsing or searching unsafe websites;
- Responding to unpleasant or suggestive messages, or messages from people they do not know;
- Accessing inappropriate or illegal material.
Other risks include Internet security, such as computer viruses, trojans and worms; identity and data theft; online scams and phishing. Students may be avid users of technology but they are not always aware of the security risks and can be overconfident in their ability to avoid them.
Cyberbullying is increasing and is a growing concern in countries around the world. Studies have shown that young people are increasingly using short message service (SMS), instant messaging (IM), chat rooms, mobile phone cameras, email and websites to bully their peers. The increased use of mobile and Internet-enabled technologies has also led to personal safety risks.