Mobile Social Networking

Mobile phones now offer a new social networking experience, allowing users to keep in touch with friends and others around them, by creating a unique profile and then providing access to that special area for others to view.

Users set a boundary up to a certain distance away from either their handset or where they are, enabling them to see other people's information. Users can also share private messages, contact details, their exact location and web address to people within the set distance - this can include friends as well as strangers.

This can be great fun to use with friends and family, but can also be dangerous as it makes it easier for information to be shared with strangers.

Handsets need to have GPS enabled to allow these applications to work and with more and more phones having access to this and the internet, the possibilities and boundaries for children and young people are endless.

But what is GPS? And how does it work?

GPS

GPS stands for Global Positioning System and is a global navigation satellite system that uses satellites to transmit specific radio wave signals, allowing GPS receivers to determine their exact location, wherever they are in the world. This technology has been built into the traditional mobile phone, which enables users to communicate in a way never seen before.

Through this new technology, applications are being created that allow users to track others through the internet, which can be enabled on the handset. GyPSii is an example and this was covered in last month's update.

What can I do?

As a parent or carer, you may not understand or know about all the terminology associated with mobile technology. By taking some simple steps, you will be able to better your knowledge, enabling you to share this information with your children:

• Speak to your children about the latest applications they are using and if they tell you about something you are not sure of, search for it online. There will always be information available to you and you may be able to impress your child with your new knowledge!
• Encourage your children to remember that personal information - contact details, online profile information, photos - are all personal and shouldn't be shared with friends not known to them in the real world. Their real friends will already know this information so there is no need to share it online/ via mobile phones.
• If they are using social networking sites to communicate with friends - either using a computer or mobile phone - remember once online, information can be there forever so think before uploading or sharing.
  

Internet Survey Report   

169 children in Key Stage 2 took part in a survey about Internet Usage

Most of the children had a computer at home and were able to use the Internet within the home. About � of the children use the Internet everyday and over � use it more than twice a week. When they use it about � ask their parents permission to go on line. The majority play games, with contracting friends the second most popular use. Most children said they would tell their parents if they had an unpleasant experience using the Internet. A variety of forms of ways of contacting friends is used; these mostly include MSM messenger, chat rooms, email and text. The children mostly contact school friends and family. Bebo and Facebook are among some of the Social Networking sites that some of the older children use. Some children have Internet friends; these are friends they have never met face to face. Some have chatted on line with Internet friends. If they have a problem with messages they receive, perhaps they don�t feel comfortable with the content; some would delete them, others would tell a parent and some would reply, only a few would report them on line. Over 2/3 have a web cam and a few use it every day. About � the children had lied about their age at some time to join a site or play a game.

The Parents Survey results are attached to this newsletter for you to view the responses as a percentage. What became apparent was that while you or your children had not received any problem messages or seen any Web sites you thought inappropriate people where unclear as to were to report such problems if they occurred. If you view the Web Site www.thinkuknow.co.uk  you will find a REPORT ABUSE button. Also note that there is a Parents/Carers section that you might find interesting. On the school web site www.kinsonprimaryschool.ik.org visit the ABOUT US page is a link to a page about Internet Safety

 Click here to find links to Web sites used in ICT lessons & Internet Safety Advice for Parents.

If you would like any further help or advice contact Mrs A Newman who will be pleased to help.

The children in key Stage 2 also saw a special film produced by The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. The basic message was about how important it is to keep your personal information, text and images, safe and only visible to people you wish to see it. It also dealt with possible problems of chatting on line and using a web cam with �Internet friends� (people you have only ever met online). The focus was on keeping your personal details safe, this included text and images, being careful when answering questions on line that might give away personal details and not arranging to meet people you do not know, unless your parent accompanies you. The important message was it�s never too late to get a parent and/or the police involved if they are not comfortable with what is happening to them online. I was very impressed as to how sensible the children coped with these messages and that some have since checked their details and where necessary made changes. I know that some of the children have shared their concerns with you, the school staff and me in a mature and thoughtful way. Please don�t forget to report any problems you have with the report abuse button or the police, it may prevent other children having similar problems.

Buzzing Bee

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