Security Measurements The prevention and protection of children in our online environment

Abstract

The following research explores the advancement of modern technology rapidly growing in today’s digital age. For any adult, concerns over their child’s online safety are paramount. Therefore, the thesis provides the utmost importance highlighting the safety of a child accessing our online environment. It will discuss security measurements that are involved as methods of criminal activity and threats on the internet. It is structured as a parental guidance on the precaution against security threats, with the purpose to improve the protection level of children. Internet security is making headlines as it is one of the hottest topics of the digital age. The thesis will focus on parents and/or guardian’s perspectives about the dangers on the internet within the literature on parental monitoring and acting and limit the online risks. The data analysed was collected through an online survey of 59 respondents answering as parents with children as from twelve and under. The survey was based on twenty-two questions regarding parent’s and carers views and feelings over the amount of time their child is allowed on a device; what devices they are connecting with, what measurements they take if any, what are the latest applications their children are using. Including, their biggest fears and whether they are monitoring regularly or only if there was a matter of concern. The children’s age groups were broken down specifically as followed: - Pre-school children (0-5)

- Young children (6-9)

- Pre-teens (10-12)

The following dissertation will provide a recommendation to adults to improve the protection level of their children and develop a road map to educate children to participate effectively in the digital world. Evaluations are put in place to teach them about the current policies and technical rules to ensure safety. The findings importantly suggest that rather than restricting a child’s internet usage or banning them from the internet; parents can support their child by exploring the digital world together. An investigation will be taken for possible improvements of internet safety policies. This is so children can acknowledge the values and morals of safeguarding themselves and the privacy of their family. The findings indicate that there were very few respondents who reported that their biggest concern when a child accessed the internet was their personal details being given out. It is argued that if these concepts are applied at an early stage of a child’s development, the empowerment of children will be identified and recognised sooner to ensure that their safety and their family’s personal data and security are less likely at risk.