Response to Government internet safety strategy
Following todays announcement from the government about the launch of its first UK internet safety strategy, young persons charity YouthNet has released the following response.
YouthNet's Chief Executive, Fiona Dawe, says: "Safe and savvy use of the internet is increasingly important for young people - and like many other life skills, childhood lessons can leave a lasting impact.
"That's why, as a charity that works with 16 to 25-year-olds, YouthNet welcomes this internet safety strategy. If children are taught important lessons about the online world at a young age, they will hopefully be equipped to make informed decisions when negotiating the online world during their teenage years and beyond."
In October 2009, YouthNet published a new report, Life Support: Young people's needs in a digital age, which investigated how digital communications have impacted on the psychological and neurological behaviour of young people - and the challenge this poses for agencies and organisations who aim to support them. The report's findings were supported by Government Advisor on Children and Technology, Professor Tanya Byron.
YouthNet provides support services for young people through TheSite.org, which has provided help, advice and information to young people at some of the most critical points in their lives since 1995.