The internet is full of content that children at a young age should not be exposed to. While there are ways to block access to certain websites, it’s just as easy to create a new website that isn’t blocked meaning that it is never-ending battle to block and censor inappropriate websites for our children.
Recently over in the UK, it seems that education secretary Nicky Morgan has revealed a new plan by the government in which schools in England will be required to monitor the internet use of its students. Apparently this is to prevent children from accessing websites that might otherwise radicalize them.
If you have been following the news, you’ve probably heard about how young kids, teens, and young adults have travelled to Syria after being radicalized on the internet. By monitoring the usage of the internet in schools, the UK government is hoping to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.
Apart from monitoring, schools will also educate students on how to use the internet responsibly, and also help parents and teachers keep their kids safe from being exploited or radicalized. According to Morgan, “As a parent, I’ve seen just what an important role the internet can play in children’s education. But it can also bring risks, which is why we must do everything we can to help children stay safe online – at school and at home.”