CHILDREN AND TECHNOLOGY

Most Australian children use the Internet, and many (especially older children) also have their own mobile phones - some of which can also be used to access the Internet. These technologies have created a new space in which children can learn, play and communicate. Increasingly, children use the Internet at school for class work, as well as at home. Lack of access to the Internet at home may be a disadvantage from a number of perspectives - school work, social interaction, and future employment prospects. The Internet is a place of both opportunity and risk where children can develop, but where they may also become the victims of crime or engage in illegal behaviour themselves (AIC 2009b), and as such, there are security concerns associated with children and their use of ICT.

The following sections discuss the prevalence of Internet usage and mobile phone ownership among children: what they use it for; safety and security issues affecting children when using these technologies; and the safety and security measures taken by parents or guardians to protect them.